As one of the most successful – and valuable – luxury brands in the world, you won’t be surprised to learn that Hermès owes much of its prestige to the story behind both the brand and its products. As with so many high-end and luxury brands, it is these stories that drive the high demand surrounding new product releases, keeping Hermès front and centre of countless purchasing decisions among both investment and style-loving buyers.
But in this blog, we’re marrying all we know and love about the Hermès brand with another focus point: literature, and how Hermès is presented in worlds beyond the luxury goods market.
How Hermès Became a Coveted Luxury Brand
The greatest narrative that surrounds the Hermès brand is its own origin story – moving from the equestrian market in Paris and then Europe to one of the world’s most iconic handbag and leather goods brands.
First established in 1837, Hermès spent its early years centred on the Equestrian market, winning awards and becoming a go-to brand for noblemen and others. In 1900, the brand produced its first bag (although still sticking with the equestrian market), with 1922 marking production of the brand’s earliest handbags.
The rest is, as they say, history – with Hermès building a reputation on both impeccable style and exceptional quality. Today, not only are Hermès handbags high in resale value for those looking to sell, but they also come with the kind of status and demand that serves to push the buyer price higher still.
The Stories at the Heart of Hermès’ Most Popular Bags
Whenever we hear talk of Hermès or meet someone who is looking to buy their very first Hermès handbag, they are often drawn towards the models and collections that are the most iconic – that is, the Birkin and the Kelly.
Both of these bags boast incredible stories behind both the creation of the bag and the name, with the Birkin once again making headlines in 2023 following the death of the actress Jane Birkin, for whom the bag was originally conceived. What many people don’t realise until they really read into the backstory behind the Hermès Birkin is that the bag was produced from a mere chance encounter. The then-CEO of Hermès, Jean-Louis Dumas, was sitting next to actress Jane Birkin on a plane, and found himself discussing her specific needs from a handbag. As a new mother, Birkin outlined her frustration at existing bags that weren’t big enough, didn’t have enough pockets, and didn’t deliver on what she needed – while also emulating the style for which she was known.
The resulting bag was named the Birkin and has subsequently become the most popular and valuable bag in the Hermès armoury – but it’s not the only bag with an interesting story to tell.
The Kelly bag was not created for Grace Kelly (as some incorrectly believe); in fact, it existed before Grace Kelly was pictured using the bag to hide her pregnancy bump, but was renamed due to the spike in demand that followed the release of the images.
The Bolide bag is another bag with its own history and story to tell, presenting the hallmarks of a classic early Hermès bag, but updating it for the era in which it was produced and marketed to buyers. Designed in 1923, the aim of the Bolide was to give buyers and users the stylish accessory that they expected from the Hermès brand name, but in a format and design that matched the convenience required by the times. In this case, it was a bag that could fit in the trunk of an early-model car.
Safe to say, Hermès handbags have adapted over time – forging new patterns and styles, meeting the demands of the era in which each new model is produced, and continuing to herald the design flair and quality expected of a brand like Hermès. But, as all luxury brands know, it’s not just their own direct marketing that matters.
How Hermès Handbags Are Presented in Literature
It will come as no surprise to buyers and fans of the Hermès brand that pop culture references only further buoy the reputation of these already highly coveted and sought-after bags.
We have, in the past, shared a blog on the presence of Hermès bags in pop culture – looking at how fashion-led shows like Sex and the City and films like The Proposal have all used Hermès as much more than just a visual aid. In these examples, the bags are both a recognisable possession held by their characters, and a core part of their personal style and personality – used in both cases to back comedic lines and highlight a gulf between those who “get” luxury style… and those who don’t!
But what about in literature? Does a single Hermès handbag have the same presence on paper as it does on the big screen – and perhaps most importantly, how is the brand itself portrayed?
The most notable book on the market that focuses on the Hermès brand and its narrative is Little Book of Hermès by Karen Homer. A deep dive into the brand, its history, its evolution, and how it has become a staple in modern style and luxury, the book moves from a historical narrative to one which centres on how Hermès is viewed and heralded today.
Another popular book that centres its narrative on the popularity and sought-after status of Hermès bags, in this particular instance the Hermès Birkin, is Bringing Home the Birkin by Michael Tonello. This comical book emphasises the writer’s global search to bring home his own Birkin – sharing the trials and tribulations of getting one’s hands on a Birkin bag.
What all of these pop culture references tell us, whether written in books or presented on a screen, is that Hermès is a well-known reference to both prestige and wealth, and can be used to effortlessly portray both style and status.
If you’re looking to invest in an Hermès handbag or have an authentic Hermès handbag that you want to sell, then you’re in the right place. Our boutique store in Knightsbridge, London, has everything you need to receive a formal valuation and fair price, with access to an ever-changing stock of luxury handbags and other accessories.
Visit us in store for more information.
