It’s no secret that Hermes bags are the epitome of luxury and sophistication. These high-end accessories have been coveted by celebrities, fashion enthusiasts, and the elite for decades.
While many people assume that Hermes bags are made of leather, there has been a lot of speculation around whether some of their bags are made from real crocodile skin. In this article, we’ll explore this topic in depth and answer the question: Are Hermes Bags Made of Real Crocodile?
The History of Hermes Bags
Before we dive into the topic at hand, let’s take a brief look at the history of Hermes bags. The French luxury brand was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermes, who started out making high-quality harnesses and saddles for horses.
Eventually, the brand expanded to include other leather goods such as belts, gloves, and handbags. Today, Hermes is synonymous with luxury leather goods and is known for their iconic Birkin and Kelly bags.
The Use of Exotic Skins in Hermes Bags
While most Hermes bags are made from high-quality leather such as calf or goatskin, the brand also uses exotic skins such as crocodile, alligator, lizard, and ostrich in some of their designs. These exotic skins are highly sought after due to their unique texture and rarity.
Real Crocodile Skin vs. Embossed Leather
There has been a lot of debate around whether some Hermes bags are made from real crocodile skin or if they are simply embossed leather made to look like crocodile skin. It’s important to note that there is a significant difference between these two materials.
Real crocodile skin comes from the hide of an actual crocodile and has a unique texture that cannot be replicated with embossing techniques. Authentic crocodile skin is also much more expensive than embossed leather due to its rarity.
Embossed leather, on the other hand, is made by stamping a pattern onto leather to create the appearance of crocodile skin. While this technique can produce a convincing imitation, it is not the same as genuine crocodile skin.
How to Tell if a Hermes Bag is Made from Real Crocodile Skin
So how can you tell if a Hermes bag is made from real crocodile skin or embossed leather? One way to identify genuine crocodile skin is by looking at the scales. Real crocodile skin has irregular scales that are not perfectly aligned, while embossed leather will have a consistent pattern.
Another way to determine if a Hermes bag is made from real crocodile skin is by examining the price tag. Authentic Hermes bags made from exotic skins such as crocodile or alligator can cost tens of thousands of dollars, while bags made from embossed leather are significantly less expensive.
The Controversy Surrounding Exotic Skins
While exotic skins may be highly sought after in the luxury fashion industry, they are also controversial due to ethical concerns. The process of harvesting these skins involves killing animals and raising them in captivity solely for their skins. Many animal rights activists argue that this practice is cruel and unnecessary.
In recent years, some high-end fashion brands such as Chanel and Victoria Beckham have stopped using exotic skins in their designs due to these ethical concerns. However, Hermes has continued to use exotic skins in their designs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while many Hermes bags are made from high-quality leather such as calf or goatskin, the brand also uses exotic skins such as crocodile in some of their designs. Real crocodile skin has a unique texture that cannot be replicated with embossing techniques and is significantly more expensive than embossed leather.
While some people may have ethical concerns about the use of exotic skins in luxury fashion, Hermes has continued to use these materials in their designs. Ultimately, whether or not you choose to invest in a Hermes bag made from exotic skins is a personal decision that should be made with consideration for both ethical concerns and personal taste.