Authenticity

"Do you think my/this bag is real?" 

The greatest fear of any shopper getting an item not from store. 

The other question I get often is " Do you think this looks real enough?" 

Sometimes I even get statements like " There's no way to tell, I don't believe you." 

Thankfully, there is. One just has to take enough time and effort to look at the bags and you'll realize that the doppelgänger really doesn't cut it. 

The really excellent replicas however, will fool many a hermes lover and even some collectors. With replicas getting better and better, authenticators have to be more shrewd and specialized. 

Thus when dealing directly with a seller, always bring along an experienced eye. Preferably get it authenticated. I personally hold Bababebi to higher esteem. However there will always be certain limitations as to what a photograph can convey. But hopefully with the above 2 pointers, it will save you from 70% of the replicas out there. 

Swan's spin on looking at bags

There are many articles on how to identify the structure or stitching of a non authentic hermes.

Stay tuned for my write up with another angle on the differences in the leathers used by Hermes and all the actual fashion houses stacked up against their doppelgänger .

Hermes leathers - with a focus on Togo and its close cousins

Often, when acquiring Hermes Coverted Non-exotic Birkins and Kellys the front runners for leather choice is Epsom and Togo ( this is based on my geographic location -Sunny Singapore ) 

It seems that most don't seem to have the appetite for alternative leather choices and more perhaps haven't seen as many or perhaps fear the unknown.

With a growing trend of Fun inspired hermes designs out there. Perhaps it's time we explore what these leathers really are. What they bring to the table and our lifestyles. (Ps. Hermes leather exhibition is currently at the art science museum at Marina bay sands. There are many leathers there for our eyes and hands to admire)

Below are textured leathers all in black and commonly found in both Kelly and Birkins. 

From top right : Fjord , Togo , Ardennes & Clemence.

Ardennes has not been available on the podium for slightly more then a decade. This is one of the most favored leathers in a Birkin. They remain stiff and stand up to wear very well. They also have the ability to bring vibrancy to colors that they are dyed in. Ardennes can be found in blue( blue saphir), red( rouge vif), green, black(noir), brown(maron), gold and natural. Ardennes has a flat texture and a sheen to it that adds depth to colors.

Fjord is a tough leather is large grains. They are usually reserved for bigger bag and men's bags. They are entirely water resistant, able to withstand an extreme amount and wear and holds it shape well.It doesn't come in many colors and the colors they are usually found in are usually more masculine. Rouge H ( comes out differently in fjord), dark blue, black, brown, green and gold. 

Togo and Clemence come in a variety of colors. Of the two Clemence is able to absorb and thus bring out colors better. If your bag is size 30 and below.. There is little difference between the stiffness of either leathers.

Hermes togo comes from 3 different tanneries in Europe. Each tannery has their own distinct formula and method of processing the leather . Togo from 1 particular tannery is matte and the other is shiny. The grains are slightly different too. So if your Togo Birkins differ and you are wondering why, herein is your answer. 

Have fun collecting... I will continue to work on this piece and amend errors accordingly. 

XOXO