This week, The Bravern in Bellevue, WA is hosting 10 Hermès artisans, representing their various specialties within the company. I was lucky enough to be able to observe and speak to each of them (through interpreters), and I highly recommend the trip for anyone near the Puget Sound area.
Our first artisan was making gloves. He has been with Hermès for 23 years. Watching him handle the leather, stretching it to and fro, making quick marks with his fingernail prior to cutting, one would be forgiven for thinking it was easy, for he made it look very simple.
The forms he uses to cut the leather are well over 100 years old.
Here one can see the various stages in the process of making a single pair of gloves:
Next was the handbag artisan, making a “Mykonos Blue” Kelly bag. I have no words to describe the blue, except perhaps it is the color of the sea around the Greek island…
Next up, the silk screening process for those luscious scarves:
Additionally, there was a station for an actual scarf/fabric designer, where we were able to see this scarf in its paper/painting and clear polyfilm stages of the design process.
The gem setter (not pictured, at the station below) was making a cuff bracelet hand set with 1,000 pavé diamonds. It takes her 3 months to complete.
We spoke to the watch artisan, marveling at the gorgeous self-winding movement visible behind the glass backplates of each watch and the intricate detailing, different with each style.
One station was staffed by a saddle artisan, reminding us of the origins of Hermès as an equestrian leather company.
The artisan that makes bespoke (made-to-measure) shirts says it takes her 6 hours from cut to completion–but she hand-stitches the cuffs and collars with such precision (in only 3 hours) they look as though they have been sewn from a machine. Even the Mr. was suitably impressed with the craftsmanship.
The tie artisan cuts and folds to within a margin of error of a single millimeter. She has been doing it so long, she barely has to look, much less use her measuring stick.
Most fascinating to me was the fact that these artisans had never even met each other; they all work at different factories spread around France. The artisans will be here for just a few more days; if you are at all able to visit the demonstrations by Monday, Feb. 28, it will be worth your journey.
OK, this isn’t an ordinary bag review. But it is a review of a bag.
Sometimes it just isn’t practical or feasible to carry a handbag. I’m speaking specifically of those of us who use mobility aids, like walkers, wheelchairs, and crutches, which make it pretty difficult to sport that great Prada clutch under one arm, or casually throw a Dior over ones shoulder.
For these folks, there are alternatives, and one is AdaptAble® Designs. AdaptAble® makes a difference “by designing and producing top quality, affordable products for people who use wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, crutches or bedrails.” And their products are made right here in the USA with plenty of TLC. After handling one, I can vouch for their superior craftsmanship, far better than what one sees in similar bags made in China.
One great all-purpose bag I purchased is the Walkabout™, which will fit on the front or side of a walker or over the arm of a wheelchair/scooter. The quality of the Walkabout™ is superb for a nylon bag. Measuring 12″ x 10″ x 3.5″, it’s a great size to hold everything. The main compartment is roomy, large enough to hold a hardcover book or small purse with room to spare. It’s made of 1000 Denier Cordura® Nylon, with what seems like miles of hook-and-loop tape for custom-fitting it to your needs, and featuring pockets just where they are most needed. (The bag has been changed slightly from the picture, in that the front pocket is now divided in the center to make two pockets, which makes the bag even more perfect.) Phone, tissues, keys, etc. will fit easily in either the front pockets or the generous flap pocket. The zipper pocket on the flap features a large ring pull for easier access. And, a lightweight, sturdy bar hidden in the back ensures that this bag will NOT droop, no matter how full you stuff it. Available in 5 colors, the Walkabout™ is a steal at $32.95. Perfection. It could be the only bag you ever need!
Interestingly, the plaintiff actually worked for Coach and used her employee discount to purchase the bag. I would think a personal lawsuit would have a bit less punch since that may have violated their employee guidelines–but it’s filed for status as a class action, so people who were not employees should be able to join the suit, including the key-chain seller mentioned in my original post.
The bottom line, like I said three years ago, is that it’s not about being banned from buying from Coach; it’s about Coach accusing a seller of selling a counterfeit bag when it is obviously authentic. That’s just nasty. The suit alleges “violations of the state Consumer Protection Act, defamation, interference with her business relationship with eBay, and other claims.”
Good luck, Ms. Kim, et. al. I hope you are successful.
It’s been a while since I updated the blog. But, see, I feel weird talking about luxury products and don’t like to push sales on people when the economy has slowed so much. We’re all counting our pennies, and discretionary purchases have dwindled. So, I’m not going to do much fashion reviewing for a while. However, if I see any really good deals, or find anything that is a very good value, I will let you know. Don’t worry. Things will turn around eventually. They always do!
This is exactly the bag I have been looking for. For various reasons (not fashion), I need to switch to cross-body bags. I just love how this is reminiscent of an English schoolgirl’s satchel. WANT!!
From Net-A-Porter: In this video, Proenza Schouler designers Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough talk about their iconic PS1 messenger bag: the ultimate cool-girl essential this season — and every season!
