Monday, 28 July 2014

Independent Hermes Authenticators


I was at a gathering some days ago and a close friend asked me a question point blank.

" I was telling my friends about you and they asked, with all the recent scams, how can they tell if a bag is Authentic?"

I get that a lot, and it's tough explaining the meticulous attention to detail and various factors going into an authentic Hermes especially a vintage piece.

To most, unseasoned eyes, it's understandable to apply the rule of thumb on new pieces to vintage pieces but, many enthusiast are unaware that the Hermes Logo, Zipper, Shoulder strap and dustbags have changed over time. Thus rendering that guide partially useless. 

The conversation continued ... " My friend got cheated, a Hermes staff highly recommended a reseller and confirmed that the bag was real, sometime later, when she wanted to sell it, another reseller refused to accept that bag, telling her it was fake. " In such a scenario, which reseller is telling the truth? Sadly, the bag turned out to be fake.

There are other horror stories where they asked a friend to purchase a Brand New In Box with Receipt Piece and it was fake too. Thus my lack of stock on the availability of receipts.

I really feel for these people.

I personally scrutinize every bag for authenticity and go further then most resellers by providing an internationally reputable authenticity cert.

There are many well known providers for such a service,

However, it is my company's policy to only accept and use Bababebi. We are not affiliated in anyway.

Over the years of sourcing for Hermes bags and looking at authenticity certificates. I have found flaws and errors in many certificates. I have been completely satisfied with her level of scrutiny, service and after service. She maybe more pricey then the others, but definitely worthwhile.

Here are some samples of her work.






Accessories


Hermes Popular Accessories

Personalize your Hermes Bags with their range of exquisite accessories.
It's my personal recommendation to wrap all Birkin and Kelly handles with a handle protection product, beneath a twilly. 
Silk naturally has anti- bacteria properties but is not absorbent, moisture still gets onto the handles after use. 

These are some accessories that we carry. Email me for enquiries.



Sunday, 27 July 2014

Feminine Understated Hermes Bolide

The Bolide is one of Hermes most understated but iconic bags. Around since1922 made at the request of the wife of Hermes’s owner Emilie-Maurice Hermès, to carry in a new invention at the time – the automobile . The Bolide was born and christened  “Bugatti”. It was also the first bag to incorporate a zipper on the outside. 

Hermes, of late has started giving them newer fresher colors and greater variety of leathers, thus some named the relax bolide. 

This previously over looked bag by young yuppies is now turning heads. It's spacious interior and feminine chic outlook is regaining popularity.

Available in an array of sizes. There is one for everyone.


... More Photos coming up ;)



Friday, 16 May 2014

Kelly with double loops

Kelly's made after 2000 usually come with double loops. 
Here is an image of a 32 Nior Sellier in Box made after 2000. 
Below is an image of a pre 2000 Kelly, slung on shoulder. 

Hermes still produces Box Calf leather bags. For the curious, Hermes can change your Kelly from a single loop to a double loop for a pretty fee. 

Friday, 11 April 2014

Value

Sometimes, buyers ask how we price an item.

Why is a Sellier Kelly more expensive then a Retourne ?
Why a Fjord is priced differently from a Gulliver... Etc etc etc

Well, the simple answer to these questions are..... Supply & Demand with one additional component Condition.

In a Kelly , on average there are much less Selliers then Retournes, thus the price difference with everything being constant, it is at least $2,000 more.These bags only increase in value as less are produced and some get eroded by lack of proper care, maintainence and time.

Limited production leathers or designs command a premium as well. Limited edition leathers are touched on slightly in another post that I am constantly working on.

Condition is a big factor.  From requiring massive repair to wearable to excellent. Price points can vary tremendously. Even where the repairs are needed, affects prices.

As a gauge , to replace parts of a Kelly ( based on rough estimates, Hermes will give you a more accurate price list of jobs required)

Clochette $300+
Handles $500+
Strap $900+
Tongues  $500+ per Tongue
Hardware $300+ per item
Lock & Key $600+

The above is Excluding spa price. 
Time taken for repair is anything from 3 months to 12 months.

For anything else, unless the bag truly calls to you , walk away.

Here is a photo of an excellent condition black Kelly Seiller (Back) from the 1980s. I have seen similar condition bags from the 1970s & even the 1960s. There are people who argue that bags made in that era were made better. They have, at auction gone up to SGD $16,000+


We guarantee Authenticity for every bag we liberate and place in your good care.  

Looking for a particular Hermes Bag? Email or IMessage me your wish list. Condition and budget. 
We will locate the bag for you and bring it in at a 50% refundable deposit for non -exotic leathers. Ts&Cs apply. 

Swanluxe@gmail.com


Thursday, 27 March 2014

Hermes Picotin lock



The Hermes Picotin Lock bag is an update of the previous Picotin. 
It now features a beautiful palladium lock that changes it's look dramatically. 

Its a fun bag for all occassions. 

It comes in PM (20), MM(22), GM(24) & TGM 

The Picotin, true to Hermes Heritage was inspired by their equestrian roots, resembling a feed bag, the Picotin is sturdy and versatile.

The PM is ideal for a night out with friends, where all you need are your lipstick, small wallet and keys. 

The MM is great for everyday use, but will not fit over your shoulder.

The GM fits nicely over your shoulder and is great for the modern day lady with our tablets and mini IPads 

The TGM are for the true fashionistas that know how to match it up and travel in style. 

If you are considering getting a Picotin and wondering how much one is, the PM is SGD $2XXX and it works up from there.

My personal preference in leather for the Picotin is Clemence , in any color but white. 
Just because my everyday bags ( Picotin & Evelyn ) must stand my callousness. It is one of the Hermes leathers that can be refurbished to almost as good as new.