Speak the Language of Luxury—Master These Essential Hermès Terms
For Hermès collectors and enthusiasts, understanding the brand’s exclusive terminology is essential. From special leathers to signature stitching techniques, every term holds significance in the world of high fashion and luxury craftsmanship.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, this Hermès glossary will help you navigate the brand’s elite vocabulary, ensuring you make informed decisions when investing in your next Hermès treasure.
Signature Hermès Bag Styles
✔️ Birkin – The most iconic Hermès handbag, named after actress Jane Birkin. Known for its structured design, two handles, and spacious interior.
✔️ Kelly – Another legendary handbag, named after Grace Kelly. Features a trapezoidal shape, top handle, and detachable shoulder strap, making it a refined and elegant choice.
✔️ Constance – A sleek, shoulder bag with an H-shaped clasp, perfect for everyday luxury.
✔️ Evelyne – A casual crossbody bag featuring a perforated H logo, designed for effortless wear.
✔️ Haut à Courroies (HAC) – The original inspiration for the Birkin, this taller and more structured bag was originally designed for equestrian use.
✔️ Bolide – The first handbag to feature a zipper, perfect for travel and everyday elegance.
Hermès Hardware & Details
✔️ Sellier vs. Retourne – These terms describe the construction style of the Kelly bag:
- Sellier: More structured with visible, external stitching.
- Retourne: Softer, more relaxed with inward-turned seams.
✔️ Palladium Hardware (PHW) – A cool-toned, silver-finished metal that resists tarnishing.
✔️ Gold Hardware (GHW) – A classic, warm-toned gold finish, adding elegance and richness to bags.
✔️ Permabrass – A soft, champagne-gold hardware finish, exclusive to Hermès.
✔️ Rhodium Hardware – A highly durable silver-toned hardware, known for its bright shine and resistance to tarnishing.
✔️ Platinum Hardware – The most exclusive metal finish, found in ultra-rare and special edition Hermès bags.
✔️ Guilloché Hardware – A diamond-pattern engraved hardware, giving a textured, luxurious look.
✔️ Hermès Clochette – The leather-covered key holder that comes with Birkin and Kelly bags.
✔️ Cadena Lock – The signature Hermès padlock, often engraved with special edition details.
Hermès Leather & Exotic Skins
✔️ Togo – A popular, durable grainy leather that is both soft and structured.
✔️ Epsom – A lightweight, embossed leather that resists scratches and holds its shape well.
✔️ Clemence – A supple, pebbled leather that gives bags a relaxed, slouchy look.
✔️ Box Calf – A smooth, glossy leather that develops a rich patina over time.
✔️ Barenia – A buttery-soft, untreated leather, originally used for saddles, known for its unique aging process.
✔️ Swift – A smooth leather that enhances bright colors but is more delicate.
✔️ Chevre – A goat leather, prized for its lightweight feel and resistance to scratches.
✔️ Exotic Leathers:
- Crocodile Niloticus & Porosus – Rare and highly coveted crocodile skins.
- Alligator – Sourced from the Mississippi, featuring smaller, uniform scales.
- Ostrich – Recognizable by its unique dotted texture, adding an elegant touch.
- Lizard – A delicate, glossy exotic skin, often used for mini bags and accessories.
Special Edition & Exclusive Hermès Terms
✔️ Himalaya Birkin – The rarest and most valuable Birkin bag, made from Himalayan Nile crocodile leather with diamond-encrusted hardware.
✔️ So Black Collection – A limited-edition line featuring black leather with black hardware, making it one of the most sought-after Hermès collections.
✔️ Horseshoe Stamp (HSS) – A special customization stamp indicating a custom-ordered (horseshoe-stamped) Hermès bag, available only to VIP clients.
✔️ Limited Edition Bags – Rare releases with special materials, unique colors, or collaborations (e.g., Cargo Birkin, Picnic Kelly, Shadow Birkin).
✔️ Faubourg Birkin – Inspired by Hermès’ flagship store in Paris, this rare mini Birkin features intricate architectural detailing.
✔️ Touch Birkin/Kelly – A combination of classic leather and exotic trims, offering a subtle yet luxurious contrast.
The Hermès Shopping Experience
✔️ Quota Bag – Each Hermès boutique limits purchases of Birkin and Kelly bags per customer per year. These bags are known as "Quota Bags."
✔️ The Hermès Waitlist – Due to limited production, customers often wait months or years before being offered a Birkin or Kelly.
✔️ Store Offers – Many buyers must establish a purchase history with Hermès before being offered a quota bag.
✔️ Hermès Orange Box – Every Hermès product comes in its signature orange packaging, making it instantly recognizable.
✔️ Resale Market – Due to high demand, rare Hermès bags often sell for double (or more) their retail price in the secondary market.
