When it comes to luxury fashion, Hermes is a name that needs no introduction. Known for its iconic Birkin and Kelly bags, the French fashion house has a long history of creating high-quality leather goods and accessories that are coveted by fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
One term that you may come across when browsing Hermes products is “sellier.” But what exactly does this mean?
Sellier is a term used by Hermes to refer to a specific type of leather craftsmanship. The word “sellier” comes from the French word for saddlery, which gives us some clues as to what this technique involves. Essentially, sellier refers to a method of stitching leather that is often used in the creation of equestrian gear.
In sellier stitching, the leather is first skived (or thinned) along the edges where it will be joined with another piece. The two pieces are then placed together, with their edges overlapping slightly, and small holes are punched through both layers of leather at regular intervals. A needle and thread are then used to stitch the two pieces together using a specific type of stitch called a saddle stitch.
The result of this technique is a very strong and durable seam that lies flat against the leather surface. This makes it ideal for use in items like saddles and bridles, which need to withstand a lot of wear and tear.
So how does sellier relate to Hermes products? Well, many of the brand’s most iconic items are made using this technique.
For example, both the Birkin and Kelly bags feature sellier stitching along their edges, which gives them their distinctive shape and structure. Other Hermes items like belts and small leather goods may also feature sellier stitching.
One thing to note is that not all Hermes products are made using sellier stitching. Another type of stitching called “retourné” (which means “turned over” in French) is also used in some items. Retourné stitching is similar to sellier stitching in that it involves skiving the leather edges and stitching them together, but the thread is hidden inside the seam rather than lying flat against the surface.
In conclusion, sellier is a term used by Hermes to refer to a specific type of leather craftsmanship that involves skiving and stitching leather for added durability. This technique is often used in equestrian gear and can be found in many of Hermes’ most iconic products, including the Birkin and Kelly bags. So next time you’re shopping for Hermes items, keep an eye out for this distinctive type of stitching!