Emily in Paris Gets a Leather Appointment

This reader’s personal narrative gives insight into the elusive world of acquiring a coveted bag at Hermès in Paris. While she may have been successful, it’s important to emphasize that the pursuit of a Hermès bag remains a highly individualized and unpredictable endeavor, where factors such as timing, relationships with boutique staff, and sheer luck play substantial roles. What worked for her may not necessarily work for everyone, as each client’s journey towards securing an Hermès bag is a unique and often unpredictable experience.

In this way, the advice she offers is based on her personal experience. It should not be taken as rules and/or regulations or the advice of PurseBop.

by @emilyerkel

@emilyerkel

“One in a million chance.”

“Never going to happen.”

“Better luck winning a lottery ticket.”

I’ve heard it all, but the eternal optimist in me figured why not try? I count myself lucky. While life will always have its ups and downs, there have been times when I’ve had pinch-me moments.

There was a time when I lived in NYC, and walked into a Duane Reade in midtown to pick up a liter of Coca-Cola for a party I was hosting. 6 months later, received a call and email confirming I had won an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles to see America’s Got Talent.

I was in Paris to meet our team and see our new office. That Thursday in particular was busier than a usual Thursday, as we were traveling in that morning. I had my calendar alert set to remind me to register for an appointment for Hermès at 10:30 am. I was going to try daily while in Paris for a few days.

Hermès George V, Paris

As the time approached, the wifi on the plane was going in and out. I figured if it happens, it happens. At 10:25 am, hit refresh, and again no service. C’est la vie, so they say.

But then right at 10:30 am, the wifi was back up. I quickly hit refresh and voila! Connected! I quickly registered, said a small prayer then hit Submit.

I mostly forgot about registering for the rest of the day. Back-to-back meetings often do that. Previous trips to Paris had not been fruitful so it was a shot in the dark.

Later that evening, after a wonderful meal, we decided to grab a drink at the hotel lobby. I quickly scanned my email and there it was.

The email from H itself. I screamed, heads turned in the hotel lobby and I quickly pulled myself together. An appointment, at the Hermès store at 11:30 am. I was in bliss.

Of course, I couldn’t sleep that night. I texted all my handbag besties (you know who you are) and pulled out my wishlist. The next few hours were spent deciding which bags to ask for and which to be open to.

The morning of the appointment was again busy. Luckily, I had meetings before and then after the appointment. This could work, I thought.

Well, it could if I knew Paris traffic. I miscalculated the timing. My 10 am meeting ran 30 mins over and was over in an entirely different arrondissement. Soon it was 11:25 am, and I was still in the conference room wrapping up.

I quickly ubered it to H but the traffic at that hour, the ETA was 25 mins. I was going to miss my lucky chance.

I took a breath, and texted a few friends to let them know that I was late and probably wouldn’t happen. Then I called the store.

When I said I had an appointment, they were incredibly nice and said it would be fine. Now I don’t know if they always do this but I am thankful they did.

In the Uber on the way to Hermès Paris George V

Arriving at the boutique

Eye candy at Hermès George V

She guided me to a table and asked what I was looking for. I was on a bit of an adrenaline rush as I listed a few of my wishlist bags very quickly. I let her know I was hoping for a Kelly 25 in a light neutral color like craie or gold or black, all with gold hardware. She asked if I was open to another bag so I joked a Kelly Elan with feathers. (This bag is so hard to get. For why, check out PurseBop’s article on this beauty.) We both had a good laugh. She then looked me straight in the eye and said what about a Constance? I said it wasn’t my style then showed her my long nails and she said got it, with a wink.

My Fairy Godmother then stood up and said she would check to see but wasn’t sure what she could do. I scanned the room and noticed other patrons watching me closely, each I’m sure curious to see what bag if any I would be offered.

Waiting for my SA to return…

Ten minutes later, she returns and in her hands is the iconic orange box. I knew immediately that by the size of the box what size bag it was. She said while she did not have the bag in the color I asked for, she found one similar.

She led me to a room in the back, closed the door behind me, and sat the box down on the table. Then she asked if I would like to see it and of course, I did.

She lifted the lid and pulled out the dustbag. Opening it up was the most beautiful, classic Hermès Kelly 25 Etoupe with gold hardware in Epsom leather. I jumped with excitement, my first Kelly 25 and in a neutral that I love but had forgotten to mention earlier.

Hermès Kelly 25 Etoupe with gold hardware in Epsom leather

After thanking her profusely for finding this gem, she took me to pick out a few other pieces I was looking for including a pair of loafers, a scarf, and a Kelly belt in gold with gold hardware.

As I was checking out, another SA asked her what I got. When she told him, he looked at me and told me with a knowing smile, “You, my dear, are very lucky.”

I replied, “Yes, I’ve heard that. I am very lucky and very grateful.