Pinterest

How to look after your Hermes bags

Tuesday 15 May 2012
hermes1
Over the years, I've managed to pick up a lot of information at the Purse Forum, thanks to the contributors there. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to glean helpful tips straight from the horse's mouth at the Hermes "Leather Forever" exhibition. I've always wanted to know how to go about looking after my Hermes bags, to preserve their condition despite normal wear so that I can hopefully pass them on to the next generation. A huge thanks to the artisans for patiently answering my questions which I'm sure had been asked millions of times before.


hermes2


What's the most durable leather for everyday use?
Togo because it's calfskin unlike taurillon clemence which comes from a mature animal (bull). The latter will soften more over the years and become rather slouchy.


How should I store my bags?
Do not store them in boxes because the leather will dry and crack over a prolonged period of time. Let them breathe. Stuff them with acid free tissue but don't stick them into dust bags. (I put mine in a bookcase which has glass doors so the dust won't get to them).
 

What else can I do to ensure that my bags will last for decades?
Do not expose them to direct sunlight, wind or rain (oops!). You have to use them but not everyday. Rest them.These bags are like shoes. You can't wear the same shoes everyday or you will wreck them quickly.


I notice that parts of the bag (i.e. strap) is machine-stitched but for the most part, are hand-stitched. Why is that?
We machine stitch for aesthetic reasons too. However, we hand-stitch in areas where there is most tension or pressure placed for durability.


How often should I take my bag to "the spa"?
Never! Well, as little as possible. The leather has been stretched, distressed and processed. The constant cleaning and conditioning will weaken the leather (I was under the impression that I have to send my bags in for conditioning ever few years).



40 comments:

  1. Fabulous information, thank you! I always thought we should keep our bags in their dust covers? So I'm doing all the wrong things keeping them inside dustcovers AND their boxes. But the bit about avoiding sunlight, I understand and letting the leather breathe *runs off to take bags out*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So did I. I guess it's good to speak to an artisan. Truly debunks all myths.

      Delete
    2. If this applies to all leather bags then it's serious! I have to completely re-think my storage space. Aaargh!

      Delete
  2. Your Thalassa B looks awesome - I still remember who you got the bag !!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was you that got me all crazy about chevre mysore. Especially, after seeing your black Birkin. Yeah, too bad I was well into my pregnancy to be allowed on the plane. Would've loved the experience of peeling open the tissues.

      Delete
  3. This is really good to know! I agree, we often forget that bags needed to be rested. I'm guilty of that one :/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You and I both. I still need to be reminded from time to time.

      Delete
  4. Sniff, I don't think an Hermes bag will ever be in my reach, I would love a Kelly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I adore Kellys! I've seen secondhand Kellys going for pretty good prices but you'll have to be patient and look hard though.

      Delete
  5. Thank you thank you! I'm loosening those dust bags now!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Up until recently (3 years), I had them all in dustbags. oops.

      Delete
  6. oh dear Marlene this is why I love your blog! i just learned alot!!!

    i'm ignorant when it comes to preserve and take care of my beauties! i just put them in their dustbags and take it to the top as my baby can't play or take it!!! now I know how I can manage it :) thanks for these tips dear!!! i also love the previous post.. lucky you've seen it!!!

    take care. xoxo, Haus of Gala

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As long as it's a dust free environment (i.e. in the closet), it's ok to leave them out. LOL! I was happy for Lil L to "play" with my bags as long as there weren't any marker pens or scissors nearby.

      Delete
  7. Great information! Thank you for sharing! Hugs, Linda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for dropping by, Linda! It's great to hear from you.

      Delete
  8. Really interesting! I wonder if these bags stay cleaner than other less pricey ones? (my concerns are always practical as my bags are always getting shoved under the table. ) Would love to test it out, if I could only pay for the H. That teal colour looks gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think these bags stay cleaner. I suppose if you go for grainy leather and darker colors, the bags are far easier to maintain.

      Delete
  9. Great and surprising information. I always thought it is best to keep your leather bag in its dustbag or perhaps the recommendation is strictly for Hermes bag? I always keep my Chanel lambskin in her dustbag now i wonder if i should remove the bag.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd say this info applies to all bags. I've been told before that leather is an organic thing and needs to "breathe". I used to store my bags in their dust bags previously but constantly having to open and re-tie dust bags whenever I searched for the one I was looking for drove me crazy.

      Delete
  10. Oh wow you have Hermes bags??? big admiration and swoons! So envious! I love that you keep them in a glass fronted cabinet! I'd love to see a photo....? I too keep all my bags in dust bags but I guess I won't be anymore! Great post Marlene and I loved the last one too, what a fantastic exhibition.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Believe it or not, it's actually Ikea bookcase with glass doors attached. Here's the link to my H bags: http://www.chocolatecookiesandcandies.com/2011/07/1-in-1-out.html

      Delete
  11. Thanks so much for posting this. I keep my Bags in their dust bags and in the box. Didn't realize that wasn't good for them. Thanks so much for all the info. What a wonderful event to attend.
    Best, M.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's wonderful to be able to ask questions at the event. I walked out with my head spinning due to info overload.

      Delete
  12. LOL! I think I went oops many times when I heard the answers. Sunlight - check. Wind - check. Downpour - umm... check.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Haven't gotten on the H wagon yet and wonder if I ever will. I believe that all bags shouldn't be over used, that is the same 'lame' point I kept giving my husband everytime I buy a new bag..LOL! Thanks for the tip, will come handy if I ever got on the wagon :) maybe not with Birkin but I don't mind Garden Party in my closet ;)

    http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.com/2012/05/tunic-top-and-embroidered-leather.html

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great post, very interesting !! I'll keep it in my laptop until I buy my dream bag "Hermès Birkin" ;)
    <3
    Lamia
    http://ginger-chocolateandhoney.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  15. wish i had some hermes bags to take care of but thankfully these tips would work well for all leather bags :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Such wonderful tips for the caring and maintaining bags. Thank you for sharing:)

    Oh my goodness- the Togo leather really does age beautifully.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow, I also thought bags should be stored in their dust covers in their boxes. I will have to remedy that asap. Thank you for sharing these tips!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I failed yet again to get a Kelly this time. Sigh..
    The bag and me are simply not meant to be.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh no! I suppose it's not that easy getting a Kelly in Singapore. They're not that easy to come by. I've been keeping my eye out for a 32cm Etoupe (not that I'm REALLY looking for one).

      Delete
    2. It's near to impossible getting one in my city. I tried my luck in Europe previously and recently from Seoul as well. Sigh..oh well, brace up. It's just a bag..just a bag..(I chant to myself)

      Delete
  19. This is great info, thanks for this!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Great tips that I'll be sure to use with my other bags too! Eek, I've been sticking them in their dust bags on a shelf forever - will need to let them breathe.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Marlene! Thank for the tips!! I knew SOME of them, but not about the spa! And definitely something new about the dustbag - mine are all in a dustbag!! So, I must change that quickly! So good to know!

    xo, sam

    ReplyDelete
  22. wow. I will never afford one, but great tips on caring for a bag anyway ;)

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...