What Areas of the Kelly and Birkin May Be Customized When Placing a Special Order?

Dear PurseBop:

My SA recently mentioned I may be offered a special order in 2024. This is overwhelmingly exciting. I have no idea where to start in terms of size, leather or color. I definitely want it to stand out as a SO, and I also want it to hold its highest resale value (even though I’ll never sell it). But I want it to be the most beautiful bag I’ve ever looked at also. Help! Where do I begin?

Dear Help Create My Special Order:

Congratulations on being offered the opportunity to place a Hermès Special Order (SO). It is a very special occasion and you are wise to do your research before the day of your appointment.

Start by choosing the bag you want to customize (Birkin, Kelly, Constance, etc.). Next choose the size bag whether small or medium or large. The sizes range from 20cm to 35cm and possibly larger. Based on the bag you have chosen the next step is to choos the type of leather. The non-exotic choices are Clemence, Chevre, Togo, or Epsom. Exotic choices are Ostrich, Alligator, or Crocodile either shiny or matte. Finally, the hardware choices are gold, palladium, brushed gold, brushed palladium, or permabrass.

Leather Colors: Choosing two colors for your bag may be the most difficult decision. Be aware that there are a limited number of leather colors available to choose from for your SO. Each year Hermès releases the list of colors available for Special Orders. The colors and leather choices available for 2024 have been posted on social media and in our articles linked below. Closely examine the colors and leathers offered this season before your appointment. Narrow down the colors you like best whether they are neutrals, a pop of color, or a combination of both.

There are many places to view different handbag colors and prior special order bags that were created in the past to get ideas. Obviously, searching the internet, Instagram and other social media is the best place to start. You will likely get directed to numerous reseller and auction house websites that usually have bi-color and verso Special Order bags for sale. This can give you some ideas. If you see one you absolutely love, that is always helpful.

Hardware Choices: There are several different choices of hardware for your SO bag. There is the traditional gold and palladium hardware. There is also the ability to choose brushed gold, brushed palladium or permabrass. These three hardware choices are generally only available on SO bags (although we have recently started seeing Permabrass hardware used on certain Kellys and Constances). Choosing a hardware that is only offered as a SO is a nice choice to make your SO extra special.

Size and Style: Choosing the size and style bag can be an overwhelming decision. Your SA will be able to help you decide or narrow down the choices based on your collection to date. They know your style and preferences so their suggestions could be very helpful. They may have sample bags in stock that are used for size purposes. If not, visiting a reseller who has a brick and mortar store is a good place to try on different size bags. This may assist you in making your decision. Many people choose a size and style they do not yet have in their collection such as a Mini Kelly which is very difficult to get in the boutique. Others choose their favorite size and style such as a Birkin 25 or Kelly 25. It is a very personal choice.

Time to Completion: A SO bag can take between 6 to 18 months to be completed and arrive from Paris (exotics take longer). You will pay for the bag when it arrives and you accept it. The price will be the retail price at the time of pick up. This means if there have been price increases between the time you placed your SO and the time you picked it up, you will pay the increased price.

For those community members who would like to place a SO but are not sure how to approach their SA on the subject, here are some suggestions.

-Submit an updated wishlist to your SA via text or email (in the U.S.) and add a Special Order as one of your choices.
-Discuss the possibility of being chosen to create a SO with your SA in person and let them know you would love the opportunity.
-Ask your SA outright if you could create a SO in the next year.

Good luck creating the most beautiful Special Order bag that you will cherish in your collection.

Read:

Hermès Special Order Guide For 2024

Insider’s Guide to Hermès Special Orders

The 5 Steps to Special Orders