In order for a treasure to remain in the recycling cycle for as long as possible, two aspects are particularly important:
Quality and timelessness. Hermès is the epitome of both components – shop our exclusive Hermès selection here.
Raphaele has been at REAWAKE for a year and enriches us with her knowledge of the traditional French house. Hermès is not only a passion of hers, she has also been a collector and connoisseur for many years. She tells us how her passion came about, what her favorites are and why Hermès will continue to be relevant in the future.
Where does your passion for Hermès come from?
My mother always wore a lot of Hermès scarves. When I was sick as a child, she would lovingly lend me one of her scarves to make me feel better.
I will never forget the soft feel of the silk. The scarves have a high emotional value for me. I always found it fascinating how luxurious and elegant it was. Hermès products are without being loud. The designs are timeless and forever beautiful.
What has excited you about the traditional French house for so many years?
Hermès doesn't need a big logo - the quality speaks for itself. This is what sets Hermès apart from other high-end brands. Every time I reach for the key in my Hermès bag, I feel the soft leather. It reminds me not only of the quality but also of the feeling I had in my childhood.
What are your Hermès favorites and the favorites of your personal collection?
My favorites are the Carrés 140. They are soft - 70% cashmere, 30% silk - warm, glamorous and you can casually wrap them around your neck without thinking too much about it. They are a life-changing piece of clothing, a luxury that you can wear every day. There are three bags that faithfully accompany me through life: the first is the Lindy Bag. It is the most popular bag in Asia. Lindy was my first purchase from Hermès and remains my to-go bag. It is made of Clemence leather, which is soft and supple. It's full of hidden compartments and is perfect for keeping my things organized. Then I love the Kelly Bag. It's elegant enough to be an evening bag, but also casual enough for daytime wear. It's lady but it's cool. It suits every occasion and is absolutely worth the investment. My third favorite is a vintage Jige clutch that I use for business meetings. It is large enough to store a small notebook, an iPad mini and important work utensils. Their box leather has a chic patina, which makes them a statement piece in my work wardrobe.
Hermès always attaches great importance to the quality of the materials - is there a particular one that particularly appeals to you and why?
I love the smooth texture of the Swift leather. Many people assume it is sensitive. However, the leather is durable and it acquires a beautiful, soft patina over time. It's used less often on Kellys and Birkins, which makes it even more special to me. A Birkin in box leather is also exceptional. The box leather is rather stiff and therefore gives the bag a stable shape. Even though both leathers are different, I like them for their different properties.
After all these years, are there any bags left on your wish list?
The Kelly Relax is a dream. Their dramatic dimensions and Sikkim leather make them so unique. I already have a Kelly Lakis, which has outside pockets with a zipper. I'm still hoping for the picnic version of this! And Hermès’ latest release, the Birkin Cargo, is on my list too!
Why is a Hermès bag always a good investment?
Because the design of Hermès bags is timeless and of the highest quality, they remain beautiful over time. The fact that their production is limited and they are so difficult to obtain guarantees that they will not lose value over time. In fact, Hermès has consistently increased prices over time, making some of my bags now more valuable in used condition than the price I originally paid for them a few years ago! The beautiful selection of colors and materials offers endless possibilities for building a collection. We are pleased to offer Hermès at REAWAKE. These are high-quality treasures that remain in circulation for decades and are therefore sustainable.
How do you tell if a Hermès bag is real?
At REAWAKE we have created a detailed Hermès guide that explains exactly which points we follow when authenticating.
Why do you think Hermès will remain relevant to the fashion industry in the future?
The designers' choice is extremely clever. Sometimes the fire seems conservative. But they actually work with avant-garde designers like Jean Paul Gaultier or Martin Margiela and choose creatives who are both traditional and have a good flair for the spirit of the times. This is the magic of Hermès that we love and admire so much at REAWAKE.
