Hermes is a luxury house known for its high level of leather craft, but one type of leather is rarely used in Hermes’ bags - suede, and in this case also shearling. This fuzzy material we’re all so familiar with comes from the underside of the skin, and is softer and more flexible than the outer layer. The reason Hermes rarely makes suede handbags is durability. The natural fibers that make suede fuzzy easily hold dirt and darken, and the material overall will wear through faster than leather with heavy use. Anything that does not have reliable lifelong durability Hermes either removes from production entirely, such as python and pony hair, or elevates for use exclusively in exceptional pieces, like with silk and suede.
Featured here, an extremely rare and stunning Limited Edition Shearling & Ébène Barénia Retourne Kelly 35 with Palladium Hardware. This Kelly is noted as one of the rarest on the market and was produced in extremely limited numbers by Hermes.
