What Does Hermes Retourne Mean?

Have you ever come across the term “Hermes Retourne” while researching luxury handbags? If you’re not familiar with it, don’t worry! In this tutorial, we’ll take a closer look at what Hermes Retourne means and how it differs from another popular Hermes bag construction method.

What is an Hermes Retourne?

An Hermes Retourne refers to a specific construction method used by the French luxury brand, Hermes, in making some of their most iconic handbags. The term “retourne” translates to “turned” in English, which essentially means that the bag is constructed inside out.

Hermes Birkin and Kelly Bags

Two of the most popular bags from Hermes that are made using the Retourne method are the Birkin and Kelly bags. These bags are highly sought after by fashion enthusiasts and collectors alike, due to their timeless designs and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Construction Process

During the construction process of an Hermes Retourne bag, the leather is first cut into specific shapes and sizes. Then, each piece is carefully turned inside out so that the stitching remains on the interior of the bag. After that, these pieces are glued together to form a sturdy base for the bag.

Once the base is complete, artisans add in other features like pockets or compartments before turning it right side out again. This process ensures that all visible stitching on an Hermes Retourne bag lies flat against its surface, creating a seamless finish.

How Does It Differ From Other Construction Methods?

Another popular construction method used by Hermes is called Sellier. The Sellier method involves stitching leather pieces together on their exterior side rather than turning them inside out like in a Retourne construction.

The main difference between these two methods lies in their finished appearance. A Sellier bag has visible stitching on the exterior, which creates a more structured and defined shape. An Hermes Retourne bag, on the other hand, has a softer and more relaxed appearance due to its seamless construction.

Conclusion

In summary, Hermes Retourne is a specific construction method used by the brand in creating some of their most iconic bags. This technique involves turning the leather inside out during the construction process to create a seamless finish with no visible exterior stitching. So, if you’re in the market for an Hermes Birkin or Kelly bag, now you know what all the fuss is about!