‘This is unethical and disgusting’: fashion lovers react to shocking truth about Hermes bags
- Replies 31
What was once considered a status symbol in the world of luxury fashion is now at the centre of a shocking controversy.
What fashion lovers once admired as the pinnacle of craftsmanship has left many questioning the true cost of exclusivity.
As whispers about rare items begin to surface, the revelation has sent ripples through the fashion community, sparking outrage and disbelief.
In a shocking revelation, fashion enthusiasts were left horrified after learning that some of the rarest Hermès bags were made from elephant skin.
Writer Louis Pisano shared the discovery on social media, writing: ‘I was today years old when I learned about the existence of ELEPHANT skin Hermès Birkins and Kellys.’
Users on social media quickly responded, voicing their disgust.
One commenter declared: ‘This is extremely unethical and disgusting.’
Another stated: ‘Nahhhh elephants are my favourite, I’m definitely with PETA ON THIS ONE!!’
A third user was left speechless, writing, ‘What the actual hell???!!!!! Whyy?? Just whyy??? I feel nauseous by this.’
Although information about the bags is scarce, a 2017 article in The Cut provided some insight.
Fashion expert Jane Angert, who runs JaneFinds, confirmed the existence of elephant skin bags.
She revealed that one of the rarest Hermès Kelly bags was auctioned in Paris around 15 years ago.
Angert explained that the bag was bought by a close friend of Jérôme Guerrand Hermès and described its rarity.
The bag, which was made from elephant skin sourced during a safari in Africa in the 1980s, was the only one of its kind available.
This particular elephant hide Kelly bag had sold for a hefty $35,000.
Hermès Birkins, known for their exclusivity, are not available for direct purchase from the brand’s stores.
To even be ‘offered’ the chance to buy one, customers need to establish a shopping history with Hermès.
The bags, often made from exotic materials like crocodile and alligator skin, require over 18 hours of handcrafting.
A basic Birkin starts at $17,400 before tax, but special editions can reach up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
However, analysts revealed to The Wall Street Journal that producing one of these bags costs Hermès just $1,500.
Pisano had discovered the elephant skin Birkins and Kellys through social media and was shocked by the information he had stumbled upon.
The elephant skin bags, created in the 1980s, continue to stir debate.
While most Hermès Birkins are crafted from luxury leathers, such as Tadelakt and Monsieur Grainee, the limited edition elephant skin versions have become even more notorious.
The Birkin bag’s exclusive nature also means that potential buyers must spend substantial sums on other Hermès products before they are even considered for a purchase.
Fashion insiders revealed that shoppers must drop $15,000 on items like shoes and scarves before being given the opportunity to buy a basic Birkin.
To be considered for a rare edition, customers may need to spend up to $300,000 at Hermès stores.
Once an invitation is extended to purchase a Birkin, customers are shown a single bag, with no input allowed regarding its colour.
The lucky few who manage to secure one can resell it online for around $34,500, with resellers listing them for as much as $48,000.
Recently, a $15 version of another Hermes bag by Walmart has gained attention for its similar appearance.
It is available in a variety of colours, including olive, black, elephant grey, emerald green, and ivory white.
Are you still willing to chase that elusive Birkin, or does the price of luxury feel a little too steep now? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
What fashion lovers once admired as the pinnacle of craftsmanship has left many questioning the true cost of exclusivity.
As whispers about rare items begin to surface, the revelation has sent ripples through the fashion community, sparking outrage and disbelief.
In a shocking revelation, fashion enthusiasts were left horrified after learning that some of the rarest Hermès bags were made from elephant skin.
Writer Louis Pisano shared the discovery on social media, writing: ‘I was today years old when I learned about the existence of ELEPHANT skin Hermès Birkins and Kellys.’
Users on social media quickly responded, voicing their disgust.
Fashion fans were stunned by Hermès elephant skin bags discovery. Image source: Pexel/Pixabay and Instagram/hermesbirkin
One commenter declared: ‘This is extremely unethical and disgusting.’
Another stated: ‘Nahhhh elephants are my favourite, I’m definitely with PETA ON THIS ONE!!’
A third user was left speechless, writing, ‘What the actual hell???!!!!! Whyy?? Just whyy??? I feel nauseous by this.’
Although information about the bags is scarce, a 2017 article in The Cut provided some insight.
Fashion expert Jane Angert, who runs JaneFinds, confirmed the existence of elephant skin bags.
She revealed that one of the rarest Hermès Kelly bags was auctioned in Paris around 15 years ago.
Angert explained that the bag was bought by a close friend of Jérôme Guerrand Hermès and described its rarity.
The bag, which was made from elephant skin sourced during a safari in Africa in the 1980s, was the only one of its kind available.
This particular elephant hide Kelly bag had sold for a hefty $35,000.
Hermès Birkins, known for their exclusivity, are not available for direct purchase from the brand’s stores.
To even be ‘offered’ the chance to buy one, customers need to establish a shopping history with Hermès.
The bags, often made from exotic materials like crocodile and alligator skin, require over 18 hours of handcrafting.
A basic Birkin starts at $17,400 before tax, but special editions can reach up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
However, analysts revealed to The Wall Street Journal that producing one of these bags costs Hermès just $1,500.
Pisano had discovered the elephant skin Birkins and Kellys through social media and was shocked by the information he had stumbled upon.
The elephant skin bags, created in the 1980s, continue to stir debate.
While most Hermès Birkins are crafted from luxury leathers, such as Tadelakt and Monsieur Grainee, the limited edition elephant skin versions have become even more notorious.
The Birkin bag’s exclusive nature also means that potential buyers must spend substantial sums on other Hermès products before they are even considered for a purchase.
Fashion insiders revealed that shoppers must drop $15,000 on items like shoes and scarves before being given the opportunity to buy a basic Birkin.
To be considered for a rare edition, customers may need to spend up to $300,000 at Hermès stores.
Once an invitation is extended to purchase a Birkin, customers are shown a single bag, with no input allowed regarding its colour.
The lucky few who manage to secure one can resell it online for around $34,500, with resellers listing them for as much as $48,000.
Recently, a $15 version of another Hermes bag by Walmart has gained attention for its similar appearance.
It is available in a variety of colours, including olive, black, elephant grey, emerald green, and ivory white.
Are you still willing to chase that elusive Birkin, or does the price of luxury feel a little too steep now? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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We weren't with a tour, only my hubby and I. They reckon we couldn't pronounce the river Seine properly etc. etc.
