What the Hermès horseshoe stamp means to collectors
A guide to custom-made Hermès HSS bags, featuring the rarely found horseshoe stamp that makes them the ultimate prize. Illustrated with lots offered at Christie’s
Among handbag collectors, a custom-made Hermès bag is considered the ultimate status symbol. Custom-made pieces, known as HSS bags, feature a special horseshoe stamp to the left of the Hermès stamp inside the bag. The emblem might be petite, but it significantly increases the value.
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A special order rose lipstick & bleu Aztec chèvre leather Birkin 30 with palladium hardware, Hermès, 2015. Offered in Unlocking the Orange Dream: Handbags from an Important Private Collection from 30 October to 13 November 2024 at Christie’s Online
The special custom-made service is offered to only a select number of top collectors, with bespoke creations typically taking six months to arrive — although some collectors wait for as long as three years.
Each season, a pre-determined selection of Hermès handbags can be customised using certain materials and colours. The Birkin, the Kelly and the Constance are the most popular styles among collectors. After deciding on the personalised combinations, the final design is sent for approval before production can begin.
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A special order matte bleu électrique & vert pelouse alligator retourné Kelly 25 with brushed palladium hardware, Hermès, 2021. Estimate: €22,000-28,000. Offered in Unlocking the Orange Dream: Handbags from an Important Private Collection from 30 October to 13 November 2024 at Christie’s Online
Special orders are frequently created in the most desirable shades of a particular season, and will often feature contrasting interiors and, in some cases, striking bi-colour and tri-colour variations.
Further customisation can include the addition of contrasting stitching, or bespoke hardware such as brushed gold, brushed palladium and rose gold. Details such as pocket location, strap length and initials represent further customisable options that are available to the lucky few.
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A special order bleu atoll & étoupe epsom leather Birkin 30 with palladium hardware, Hermès, 2015. Estimate: €8,000-10,000. Offered in Unlocking the Orange Dream: Handbags from an Important Private Collection from 30 October to 13 November 2024 at Christie’s Online
As customisations become more intricate, pieces becomes ever more exclusive. An Ostrich Birkin 35 is already a special bag, but in a tri-colour variation, it becomes a genuine rarity.
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A special order orange poppy & orange H Togo leather retourné Kelly 28 with brushed hardware, Hermès, 2015. Estimate: €8,000-10,000. Offered in Unlocking the Orange Dream: Handbags from an Important Private Collection from 30 October to 13 November 2024 at Christie’s Online
Hermès limited-edition bags are usually released to mark a special event. Produced in extremely small batches, they are highly sought after and, not surprisingly, very difficult to obtain.
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A special order matte rose extrême & iris alligator retourné Kelly 28 with brushed palladium hardware, Hermès, 2020. Estimate: €22,000-28,000. Offered in Unlocking the Orange Dream: Handbags from an Important Private Collection from 30 October to 13 November 2024 at Christie’s Online
The Quelle Idole bag, also known as the Kelly Doll, was released in 2000. Designed by Jean-Louis Dumas, then Chief Executive of Hermès, the Quelle Idole has become increasingly rare over the past two decades. Recently made available for custom order, it now represents the ultimate combination of exclusivity and rarity.
Unlocking the Orange Dream: Handbags from an Important Private Collection is live for browsing will be offered online from 30 October to 13 November 2024, alongside Handbags Online: The Paris Edit, from 30 October to 14 November