Dear PurseBop:
Hi! I was just offered the opportunity to create my first Special Order quota bag at Hermès. After going through the exciting, but exhausting and stressful process of deciding and selecting the style, size, color combination and leather, I finally settled on a Mini Kelly in Chèvre leather, in the colors Gris Perle with contrasting Mauve Sylvestre. The one feature I’m still undecided about is the hardware. I can select the traditional gold or palladium hardware types, but Permabrass was also an option. I was intrigued by the subtle color of this hardware. I already own several Birkins and Kellys with GHW and PHW, but I’m not familiar with Permabrass. Can you provide some insight on this type of hardware? What would be your recommendation for the color combo I have selected?
Thank you!
Dear Confused About Which Hardware to Choose:
First, congratulations on being offered the opportunity to create a Hermès Special Order. A multi-colored mini Kelly in Chèvre leather is an excellent choice.
You have actually chosen two colors that complement each other very well while remaining timeless and classic. For this reason, all of the hardware choices offered would work well with Gris Perle and Mauve Sylvestre. However, since you have bags with both gold and palladium hardware, choosing permabrass hardware would be an excellent addition to your collection.
Permabrass sometimes looks more gold and other times looks more palladium depending on the lighting. The hardware is often compared to Chanel’s Champagne colored hardware. It is true that Permabrass is more subtle than its gold or palladium counterparts which is one of its best attributes. The color of the bag then becomes the main focus.
Known as the most versatile hardware choice, Permabrass complements most colors. Rarely will we see Permabrass hardware used on leather goods that are not a Special Order bag (although this may be changing recently). Choosing Permabrass hardware completes your unique design because your bag has two colors on the outside which is almost always a Special Order (except for the tri-color bags occasionally released by Hermès).
Ultimately it is best to go with the type of hardware you gravitate toward most. Usually your first instinct is the right choice.
Good luck and please share photos of your gorgeous special order when it arrives. It sounds amazing and we would love to see it.
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photo courtesy @cclaichic
- Karenzpurses posted 1 year ago
- last edited 4 months ago
