Collector Culture

Investing in Hermès bags is reportedly more lucrative than gold according to a variety of studies, and whilst that narrows down the brand choice, style and colour remain to be determined. 

Any Hermès connoisseur will know about the brands quota bag system, and for those that might not be familiar, it’s a way for the brand to limit the amount of Birkins, Kellys or Constance bags you can buy at any one times over a period of 6 months in store. Providing of course, you shop sufficiently in Hermès to be granted such a privilege. This policy was put in place for their most coveted styles as they have a limited production and are in high demand.  That said, thanks to the secondary market it has made things a lot easier for collectors to get their hands on the Hermes Holy Trinity.

Any of the three aforementioned Hermès bag styles make a safe investment with the Birkin leading the way. The next thing to consider when investing in an Hermès handbag is its colour. Yes, believe it or not, the colour choice of the bag can yield up to 5 times the return, meaning that it isn't a decision to be taken lightly. Nor a particularly easy decision to make either, considering the Hermes colour palette exceeds 250 hues, including heritage and discontinued shades.

Like with any collectible, the value of a Hermes bag is determined by demand and supply. This subsequently affects its popularity and exclusivity. And while the condition, hardware and size play a fundamental role in establishing the value of the bag the colour is also a fundamental aspect.

To help you navigate through the complexities of investing in a Hermes handbag other than for personal joy, we have pulled together a guide of the hues worth investing in for a maximised resale value.

The most valuable Pinks:

• 5P Bubblegum Pink

Extremely rare and sought after 5P Bubblegum Pink is a delicate pastel shade that flaunts elegance. It’s vibrant hue stays true to pink and does not stray to a purple or orange tonality. It is said to be one of the most desired shades and we can see why.

• Rose Sakura

The Rose Sakura shade is the second most valuable colour in the Hermès Pink colour palette, and has over the years cemented its place in collector’s hearts. Inspired by the natural colour of Japanese Sakura cherry blossoms, this shade of pink is very light and is often described as the most delicate pink ever produced.

runner-up Pink shades:

• Rose Azalee

• Rose Lipstick

• Rose Confetti

• Mauve Sylvestre

The most valuable green:

• Vert Criquet

Vert Criquet, which literally stands for cricket ( the animal, not the sport) green is a very pretty pale green colour with a yellow undertone. The shade which was launched in 2020 has seen a phenomenal success and it reminds us of our favourite matcha drink.

runner-up green shades:

• Malachite

• Cactus

• Bambou

• Vert D’Eau

The most valuable Blue:

• Bleu Brume

Introduced for the Summer 2020 collection, Bleu Brume which stands for ‘Blue Haze’, is a delicate yet sophisticated shade of blue. With hints of silver, grey and periwinkle, Bleu Brume really does stand out from the other 40 shades of Hermès blue. It’s versatility has made it a favourite among collectors.

runner-up blue shades:

• Bleu Nuit

• Bleu Electrique

• Bleu du Nord

• Bleu Ciel

The most valuable NEUTRALS:

• noir

Black in French, Noir is a timeless shade that is as classic as it is elegant. We believe it is the safest investment colour for a new collector or investor as the colour is a permanent fixture in every collection. 

• CRAIE

Craie, which stands for chalk in French, is an off white colour that was first introduced in the Fall/Winter 13 collection. Some even say that it is an iteration of the discontinued Parchemin colour. It is one of Hermes’ most coveted colours and carries a multitude of colour undertones. With hints of blush and smoke, Craie is best paired with rose gold hardware.

runner-up neutral shades:

• Gris Mouette

• Vert Amande

• Etain

• Etoupe

The most valuable Tan:

• Gold

Gold is one of the most famous Hermès colour. The buttery tan hue was first made popular in the 50’s by Grace Kelly and has since been a staple for any collector. It looks particularly great when combined with gold hardware. Alice Leger adds, “ This colour is one of the great classics of the Hermès house and is highly appreciated by Artcurial customers. It has the advantage of marrying well in any season and with any outfit, which makes it very desirable. It is a colour that we offer in each of our sales and meets great success both in our online sales and in our Monegasque sessions.”

runner-up tan shades

• Biscuit

• Kraft

• Chai

• Fauve Barenia Faubourg

From a collector’s point of view

As a Collector of Hermes handbags since 13 years, how much has colour influenced the pieces you buy?

I used to be able to walk into the Hermès store in Saint- Germain, Paris and pick the colour, hardware and leather I wanted, wait a month or so and voila my dream bag would be there to collect! Now it’s more of a waiting game and with certain bags - more like a lottery! When I started collecting - I needed the staples, I collected étoupe, craie, bleu pale etc Now I gravitate towards bright colours such as Rouge Exotique , Mauve Sylvestre and Celeste - they’re much more fun and bring my outfits to life! However, it’s quite rare to be offered a quota bag in the store (unless your wish is granted) so I’m really happy to take any colour I am offered!

What would you say is your ultimate Hermes Bag grail?

Let’s put it this way, I wouldn’t turn down an Himalaya Birkin. My Hermès grail would be a White Himalaya Matte Niloticus Crocodile 30 Palladium Hardware, followed closely by the picnic Kelly (Nata Swift and Osier Wicker Picnic Birkin 25 Palladium hardware) and last but not least the limited edition Birkin Faubourg 20 (Veau Madame, Matte Alligator Epsom Swift Palladium Hardware).

If you could only keep one of your Hermes Bags, which one would it be and why ?

All my Hermes bags have a story tell... I try not to get emotionally attached to anything material but the one that sparks most joy to wear is my Hermes Kelly Bleu Paradis 25 in epsom leather palladium hardware - because it’s my favourite colour!

You mentioned that Craie was one of the most desirable colours please could you tell us why?

Craie and Nata are so popular because they look so chic and elegant and are easy to style - a very versatile option.

How many bags do you have in your collection?

Enough to keep them in a secure storage room outside my home ;)

What was your latest Hermes bag buy?

I went yesterday to collect my new Hermès Birkin 25 Black Epsom Rose Gold Hardware - I had been on the wish-list for a year and my wish was about to expire in a couple weeks - I was totally caught by surprise to receive an email saying that the bag was waiting for me! I love it so much because of its small size and simplicity! The rose gold hardware used to be reserved for custom orders only!

What colour Bag would you recommend as a first purchase?

I would go for either your favourite colour or something that you can style easily (black or nudes) as you will want to wear it a lot! However, as I mentioned, if you’re lucky enough to be offered one in the store then I suggest taking any colour! Also the more colours you include in your wish list, the more likely you are to be offered a bag!

Are any of your Hermes bags family Heirlooms?

A few of them will be. I justify my purchases by telling myself I am also buying for my future kids… and grandkids.

Kelly or Birkin?

Well I love both! A Kelly is more wearable because you have the long strap which you can put across your shoulder but a Birkin equally looks very chic. I love wearing clutching mine from underneath. I think my absolute favourite is the mini Kelly because it’s so cute and easy to wear cross body during the day for a more relaxed look or in the evening clutching the small mini handle.

Let’s talk about basics, the Hermes Black colour - what leather would you choose and why?

It depends, I like both the soft leather - Togo and the hard leather - Epsom for different reasons. Togo tends to look more relaxed and effortless and changes shape over time (for a more lived-in look) whereas the Epsom leather retains its structure and tends to be more durable. It also depends on the bag - if you’re going for a Birkin 35 I would go for a soft leather as you can use it for travel etc whereas, if you’re going for a small Kelly, which you will wear out in the evenings, I would choose Epsom, since that looks more structured and will work well with any look!