How Do I Build a Well Curated Hermès Collection That Does Not Focus Primarily on Quota Bags?

Dear PurseBop:

If you could start your Hermès journey over, would you still focus on securing primarily quota bags? Or is curating an exceptional Hermès collection that includes exceptional non-quota bags, exquisite fine jewelry pieces, home goods such as tableware and select furniture pieces, and ready to wear more the goal?

Dear Rethinking the Strategy:

Curating a well rounded and exciting Hermès collection today would likely look different than a collection which began 10-20 years ago. Accessibility, prices, and available styles have all changed and evolved over the past decade. For these reasons, a new collector should be much more selective and discerning when building their collection.

Quota bags would definitely still be a goal. Birkin and Kellys will always define Hermès and be the ultimate expression of timeless luxury, unmatched craftsmanship, and endless desirability. There are nuances among the different styles (retourne vs. sellier), sizes, leather, color, hardware, and how each bag fits into your lifestyle. However, the focus should no longer be a race toward accumulating as many quota bags as possible.

One of the biggest mistakes a new collector can make is allowing the pursuit of the Birkin or Kelly to become the entire purpose of the relationship with Hermès. Most SA’s can spot a true collector versus a quota bag client.

Rather than accumulating multiple versions of the same bag simply because they are offered, consider adding pieces that contribute something genuinely different to the collection.

Over the past several years, Hermès has created an increasingly sophisticated selection of new non-quota bags. Some are playful and whimsical while others are architectural, highly functional, or extraordinarily difficult to find. Each one showcases the same extraordinary attention to craftsmanship that makes the Birkin and Kelly so desirable.

These exceptional non-quota bags offer dimension and interest to a well curated collection. Consider these bags for your collection:

Bolide on Wheels

This bag is a fan favorite because it is an unexpectedly modern interpretation of Hermes’ historic silhouettes, combining heritage, whimsy, and practicality.

Micro Picotin

This tiny, charming, adorable and quintessentially Hermes bag is appealing to collectors who appreciate miniature craftsmanship in a heritage or exotic skin.

HERMES Swift Micro Lucky Daisy Picotin Lock Mauve Sylvestre

Garden Party Neo

This bag transforms the original non-quota tote bag into an adorable mini version which fits with the current trends and lifestyles as well as appealing to the younger collector.

garden party mini hermes

Mini Lindy II Grizzly

The mini Lindy takes on a sophisticated allure when produced in both suede and leather giving it a new aesthetic.

The mini Lindy on the runway. Photo courtesy of Hermès

Maximors Bag

This cylindrical leather bag with a horse bit shaped handle has an allure that only a true Hermes aficionado could appreciate.

Image courtesy: Hermès

Tablier Sellier

A new design with a structured silhouette that highlights Hermes’ equestrian and leatherworking heritage.

Mini Medor Bag

An unusual shape that only a true collector appreciates.

photo by @pursebop

Plume Mini

This mini size breathes new life into a classic shape.

Bubblegum Ostrich Mini Plume bag; Hermès Dubai

A well curated Hermes collection should have dimension. Acquiring a Birkin 25 in a heritage leather, a practical Birkin 35 for travel, a spectacular Kelly 25 in your favorite color and leather, and one or two exotic Mini Kellys or Pochettes in various sizes, colors, leathers, and hardware is a collection that has dimension and purpose. Adding a rare non-quota bag, an exquisite piece of jewelry, an exceptional home object, and a piece of ready to wear in Hermès’ finest leather tells a complete story about the most luxurious maison to exist.

Collect the Birkin and Kelly because you truly love them. Buy the unusual and quirky non-quota bag because it excites you. Choose the jewelry piece because you will wear it for decades and pass it down to your children. Bring home the exceptional table or bench because it is quintessentially Hermes and reminds you why you fell in love with the house originally.

Bottom line is diversify your collection which will allow you to appreciate all the differences in design and similarities in craftsmanship of each object of desire.