Tips on How to Design Your First Your First Custom Special Order Hermès Quota Bag

Dear PurseBop:

Can you help me decide what colors and leather to choose for my first Special Order? I have decided I want either a Birkin 25 or a Kelly 25. But beyond that I am so overwhelmed and confused about what leather, color, hardware, and stitching to choose. There are so many amazing choices. Please help!

Dear Dazed and Confused by the Options:

First and foremost congratulations on being offered your first Special Order bag. It is both an honor and an exclusive opportunity that very few get to experience. Although the process may seem intimidating, rest assured, with thoughtful planning, expert guidance by your Sales Associate, and a focus on what you truly love, you will create a one-of-a-kind Hermès Birkin or Kelly that will hold a special place in your collection.

Let’s break the process down step-by-step:

Step One: Birkin or Kelly

Your first decision is the foundation of your Special Order.

Ask yourself:

Do you naturally gravitate toward carrying a Birkin or a Kelly?
How many Birkins vs Kellys are already in your collection?
Do you consider yourself a “Birkin girl” or a “Kelly girl”?
Which style sits at the top of your existing wishlist?

Your honest answers to the these questions will usually make the choice clear.

photo courtesy @dr.dustbags

Step Two: Choosing the Correct Size

Next, consider choosing the size that best fits your lifestyle and daily habits.

Are you a busy professional balancing work and home life?
Are you juggling family responsibilities, kids’ schedules and after school activities, and travel?
How much do you generally carry in your bag daily?Some collectors use their SO opportunity strategically by choosing a size notoriously difficult to obtain. They find a Mini Kelly or Kelly Pochette the perfect choice rather than waiting years for a standard offer.
Others may have one or more mini bags in their collection and opt for their favorite size quota bag, knowing it will be carried often and loved deeply.

3 stunning Special Order Kellys. Can you believe this isn’t a window display? @stylishsheba

Step Three: Selecting the Leather

Leather choice is deeply personal.

Some choose their tried and true favorite leather: Togo, Epsom, Swift, or Chèvre Mysore. Others take advantage of the SO process and choose the leather most difficult to be offered such as Chèvre Mysore.

Think about how structured or soft you like your bags, how much wear you expect, and how you hope the bag will wear over time.

Step Four: Hardware Decisions

Depending on the bag and size, there are up to 6 hardware options available (varies by model and size). Note that not all hardware choices are available for every size bag.

The choices are:

Gold
Brushed Gold
Palladium
Brushed Palladium
Rose Gold
Permabrass

Some collectors choose Permabrass because it is rarely offered outside of special order bags.
Others stick with their personal favorite such as Gold or Palladium.
Brushed finishes have traditionally been Special Order exclusives although this may be changing.
Rose Gold is extremely rare on general offer quota bags so remains a coveted choice.

Step Five: Choosing the Color

For many this is the most exciting and overwhelming decision

Ask yourself:

Do you gravitate toward timeless neutrals?
Do you prefer a bold pop of color?
Do you have an absolute favorite color (like pink, or green, or red) that has not been offered yet?
Do you prefer a timeless and safe color that will blend with your entire wardrobe?
Or are you ready to go outside your comfort zone and embrace a seasonal color that is on the list this season?

Special Orders allow you to tell your color story, whether that is classic, playful, or daring.

Special Order Color Chart for Birkins 2026

Step Six: Line, Verso, or Multico

Line: One color inside and out. Contrast stitching on the outside of the bag.
Verso: One exterior color paired with a different color chosen from the Interior Lining Chart, and either tone-on-tone stitching or contrast stitching.
Multico (Bi-color): The most distinctive choice. One color for the front and back of the bag. A second color from the same color chart for the side panels, sangles, and top handle(s). The inside is the same color as the main front color. You may choose either tone-on-tone stitching or contrast stitching.

Step Seven: Stitching Color

Finally, select the stitching. Those opting for contrasting stitching will find a wide array of colors available. This is an opportunity to add a subtle or bold finishing touch that truly personalizes your bag.

Trust the Process

Your Sales Associate is there to guide you every step of the way. They have helped countless clients create beautiful Horseshoe Stamp bags and will ensure your final choices feel cohesive, intentional, and true to you.

The addition of the iPad to assist while creating your bespoke bag has become invaluable. Seeing a digital rendering of your exact selections allows you to fine tune details and explore alternatives until you find the perfect creation.

Enjoy the process, take your time, do your research, and most importantly choose what you love.