hermes employee bag | Hermes symbols and stamps

The world of Hermès, the iconic French luxury house, is shrouded in mystique and exclusivity. Its handcrafted leather goods, particularly the coveted Birkin and Kelly bags, are symbols of wealth, status, and impeccable taste. While most aspire to own one through authorized boutiques and the secondary market, there exists a fascinating, less-publicized avenue: the Hermès employee bag. These bags, crafted by Hermès artisans for their personal use or as gifts, offer a unique perspective on the craftsmanship and dedication that defines the brand. Let's delve into the world of the Hermès employee bag, exploring its characteristics, significance, and the secrets hidden within its seams.

Crafted with Passion: The Artisan's Privilege

The core concept of the Hermès employee bag is simple yet profound: it allows the skilled artisans who dedicate their lives to creating these masterpieces to own a piece of their own creation. It's a tangible reward, a demonstration of the company's appreciation for their dedication and expertise. These artisans, having poured countless hours into perfecting their craft, are permitted to make one bag per year, either a Birkin or another Hermès bag, for their personal use or as a gift for a loved one.

This practice speaks volumes about the Hermès philosophy. It reinforces the importance of the human element in luxury manufacturing. It's not about mass production or automated processes; it's about the individual artisan’s skill, passion, and attention to detail. By allowing them to create a bag for themselves, Hermès acknowledges their integral role in the brand's success and provides them with a direct connection to the very product they help create.

Identifying the Hermès Employee Bag: Deciphering the Codes and Symbols

While these employee bags are authentic Hermès products, they possess unique characteristics that differentiate them from those sold in boutiques. These distinctions lie in the subtle yet significant details of the bag’s stamps, codes, and symbols. Understanding these nuances is key to identifying an Hermès employee bag.

1. The Horseshoe Stamp (HSS Symbol): The Tell-Tale Sign

The most prominent indicator of an employee bag is the presence of the horseshoe stamp, also known as the HSS symbol. This mark, typically discreetly placed near the Hermès stamp or inside the bag, consists of two tiny, conjoined horseshoes. This symbol signifies that the bag was made as a special order, often for a VIP client or, in this case, an employee.

It's crucial to note that not all bags with the HSS symbol are employee bags. The HSS symbol is also used for custom orders placed through the Hermès Special Order program, where clients can request specific leather types, colors, and hardware combinations. However, the HSS symbol is a *necessary* condition for a bag to be considered a potential employee bag.

2. The Blind Stamp: Unlocking the Year of Creation

Every Hermès bag, regardless of whether it’s a boutique item or an employee bag, features a blind stamp. This stamp, a single letter within a circle or square (depending on the year), indicates the year the bag was crafted. Knowing the Hermès stamps by year is essential for authenticating any Hermès bag and for dating an employee bag.

For example:

* A circle surrounding the letter indicates production from 1971 to 1996.

* A square surrounding the letter indicates production from 1997 to 2014.

* No shape surrounding the letter indicates production from 2015 onwards.

The blind stamp is usually located in an inconspicuous location, often under the strap, inside a pocket, or on the inside of the flap. Its discreet placement further highlights the focus on the bag's overall aesthetic rather than overt branding.

3. The Artisan's Stamp: A Mark of Individual Craftsmanshiphermes employee bag

In addition to the blind stamp, many Hermès bags feature an artisan's stamp. This is a small, usually two-digit, number stamped near the blind stamp or in another hidden location. This number identifies the specific artisan who crafted the bag. While not exclusive to employee bags, the presence of an artisan's stamp reinforces the bag’s connection to a specific craftsperson. Tracking artisan stamps is a complex endeavor, often known only within Hermès circles.

4. Leather Type and Color Combinations: A Touch of Individuality

Employee bags often showcase unique leather types and color combinations not typically found in standard boutique offerings. Artisans may have access to rare or discontinued leathers, or they may experiment with unconventional color pairings. This individuality adds to the allure of these bags, making them truly one-of-a-kind pieces.

While Hermès offers a vast array of leathers and colors, some combinations are rarer than others. For instance, a bag crafted from a specific type of lizard or ostrich leather in an unusual shade might suggest it could be an employee bag. However, it's crucial to remember that special orders also feature unique combinations, so this characteristic alone is not definitive.

5. The Absence of a Sales Receipt: A Common Trait

Employee bags are typically acquired without a traditional sales receipt from an Hermès boutique. This is because the artisan receives the bag as a benefit of their employment, not as a purchase. Therefore, the absence of a receipt, while not conclusive, is another factor that can suggest the bag’s origins.