THE HERMES SPECIAL ORDER EXPLAINED

One of the most exciting experiences for a Hermes enthusiast is the Hermes Special Order (SO), also known as Horseshoe Stamp (HSS).

In the circles of Hermès enthusiasts, to own a HSS bag is to be apart of the "Hermes Horseshoe Club". It is the much talked-about ‘The Call’ - when their trusted Sales Associate (SA) contacts them with a proposal to design a custom Hermès handbag that is stamped with a special Horseshoe symbol Next to the Hermes stamp.

In contrast to Hermès’ limited-edition handbags, which are produced in a series, an HSS handbag is a singular creation crafted to your personal specifications of colour, leather, and hardware. It is the epitome of haute couture for handbags.

In this blog, we will delve into the details of this exclusive process and what it entails.

What is a Hermes Special Order?

Image Credit: Farfetch

 

A Hermes Special Order (also known as HSS) is a bespoke service offered by the luxury brand, which allows customers to customize and personalize their own bag. Notably, Special Orders are most often seen for the Birkin, Kelly, and Constance bags. However, it may also be extended to the Kelly Sac à dépêches (briefcase), Jige, Bolide, and the Plume.

The process involves collaborating with a Hermes specialist to create a custom-made item that reflects the customer's unique style and preferences, where complete control over colour, leather, hardware, and size of the product, among other details is granted.

Currently, one SO season is granted each year, beginning around the end of August and closing in June. This is with the exception of the Hermes Faubourg Saint Honoré store in Paris, which has year-round SO offerings. It is up to individual stores to decide when within this window to offer SO appointments to their clients.

Despite the time and craftsmanship that Hermès invests in each bespoke creation, a Special Order handbag costs no more than a normal Hermès bag of the same size and leather type.

How do I qualify for an Hermes Special Order?

 

Exclusivity lies at the core of the Hermes brand, and its clientele is equally esteemed. Building a relationship substantial enough to warrant an invitation for a Special Order bag can often take years of dedicated patronage. After all, the privilege of obtaining a special-order handbag is reserved exclusively for Hermès' most esteemed and privileged customers.

While certain requirements and procedures must be followed to qualify for an Hermes Special Order, it is important to acknowledge that a degree of luck plays a role in the process. Instead of passively waiting for an offer, it is advisable to take the initiative and express interest in a special order, as there is nothing to lose in testing one's luck. Occasionally, by proactively inquiring, your Sales Associate may provide you with candid insights into the standards you would need to meet in order to be eligible for such an opportunity. Given the elusive nature of the specific requirements, engaging in open communication with your SA can prove invaluable in navigating the path toward an Hermes Special Order.

Here are some tips on how to increase your chances of being considered for an Hermes Special Order:

1. Cultivate a deep appreciation and familiarity with Hermes

To increase your chances of being considered for an Hermès Special Order, it is crucial to exhibit a profound knowledge and genuine passion for the brand. Sales Associates truly appreciate customers who are well-informed about Hermès and its products. While regular purchases from the boutique are not necessarily obligatory, a client's extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for the brand can result in an invitation for a Special Order. It is worth noting that many individuals who have successfully created a special order have previously acquired a Birkin, Kelly, or Constance bag, demonstrating their commitment to the brand.

2. Be willing to wait

Many Hermes fans who have had experience with the Special Order process have said that getting a Special Order all boils down to luck. However, waiting can take several months. It is essential to be patient and willing to wait for the SO offer.

3. Have a relationship with your SA

To be considered for an Hermes Special Order, it is essential to establish a relationship with the brand by purchasing Hermes products regularly and building a rapport with your favourite sales associate. Special orders are by invitation only, and getting one relies mostly on your relationship with your SA. Building a personal connection, demonstrating loyalty, and engaging in meaningful interactions with your SA significantly enhance your prospects of being considered for this exclusive opportunity. By nurturing this relationship, you position yourself favourably in the realm of Hermès Special Orders.

How does the Hermes Special Order process work?

The Hermes special order process is designed to provide customers with a seamless and personalized experience. Here are the steps involved in the process:

Should you be fortunate enough to receive The Call, your first step is to visit your local Hermès boutique and collaborate with your Sales Associate (SA) on designing your one-of-a-kind handbag.

 

1. Consultation: At your SO appointment, your SA will present you with a limited menu of choices including bag types and sizes (Birkin 25, Kelly 28, etc), pre-set combination designs (line, verso, multico, etc), leather choices, leather colours, hardwares, and a map for which options can be selected for which bag type and size. Not all leathers and hardwares are allowed for all bag types and sizes.

2. Design: Once you have selected the handbag style and size, you may focus on the particulars, including the colours, leather, stitching, hardware, and stamps. During your appointment, your SA will present you with an assortment of swatches to help you decide.

3. Approval: Following the discussion and recording of your design specifications, patience becomes paramount. Your SO order is dispatched to Hermès' headquarters for approval, and possible modifications could be made if a particular leather colour has proved popular during that time.

4. Production: The timeline for HSS bag production can vary, ranging from six months to as long as 18 months. Upon completion of the bag, your SA will contact you, inviting you to the boutique for collection. Fun fact: At this point, you have no obligation to purchase the handbag; in the event that you change your mind or dislike the final design, you may choose not to buy the bag and the boutique will sell it to another client.

What Makes the Hermes Special Order Process Unique?

Image Credit: SACLAB

 

A Special Order handbag has a distinct stamp of a horseshoe insignia beside the iconic HERMÈS lettering.

It is widely acknowledged that Hermes boutiques grant the exclusivity of commissioning a SO bag only to those who have proven themselves worth as committed patrons of the House; it is not a privilege freely accessible to every walk-in client. Notably, each Sales Associate possesses only a limited allocation of HSS handbags to offer clients annually.

The Hermes special order process is designed to provide customers with a personalized and exclusive experience. From the initial consultation to the final delivery, the process is designed to ensure that each customer receives a product that is tailored to their individual needs and preferences. The special order process is the perfect way to create a one-of-a-kind item that you will treasure for life.

Special Order Options

Leathers

Each Special Order season will feature certain leathers that will only be available in particular colours. Read our blog on Hermes' Popular Leathers to help decide upon your preferred skins.

Hardware

The most common hardware offered are Palladium, Brushed Palladium, Gold, Brushed Gold Permabrass. Read our blog on Hermes Hardwares.

Straps

For Kelly bags, you have the option of changing the strap length: from 70, 85, 105 and 120cm long.

Colour

When it comes to choosing colours, you will be given three lists. The first list shows you the exterior leathers you can choose from, with the colours being offered for that particular leather. The second list is for interior colours.

Stitching

Finally, the third list is for stitching. You could select a stitching colour that contrasts with the exterior or keep the stitching the same as the exterior colour.

Stamps

Alongside the horseshoe stamp, Hermès gives clients the opportunity to add something extra personal and fun. Choose from a list of symbols: Clover, Heart, Stirrup, H Knot, Link, Horse Hood, Star or Horse Head, or add a special date or line of text of your choosing.

Types of SO bags

 

Line

Is an SO bag made with one colour throughout and contrast stitching. A truly timeless choice that is popular with many Hermes collectors.

 

Verso

Is an SO bag made with two colours: contrasting colours on the exterior and interior. The stitching may be an entirely different colour, or matching one of the two leather colours.

 

Multico

Is made with two colours on the exterior, with the contrasting colour commonly found on the handles, straps, clochette and lining.

 

Tri-colour

Is made with three colours on the exterior. Hermès no longer offers them on the HSS menu, so the only way to get one now is through the luxury resale market (only if you're really lucky, as they're rare!).

 

In conclusion, securing an Hermès Special Order is a highly coveted opportunity that requires time, dedication, and a close relationship with the brand. While the traditional route of establishing a rapport with your Sales Associate and fulfilling the prerequisites remains the conventional path, there is another alternative to consider. For those seeking to bypass the lengthy process, exploring the option of purchasing a special order bag from the resale market may be worth considering. Although these bags typically come at a premium, it may still prove to be a more cost-effective solution compared to investing in the prerequisite items or enduring a protracted waiting period.

 

There you have it, a complete breakdown of the Special Order Process, and all the details you would need to go through your very own Hermes SO journey! How would you design your very own Hermes bag?