Hermès Collector Reece Reveals His Secrets
Reece is the Director of Bags and Jewellery at luxury retailer (and Vestiaire seller) Xupes in Essex, UK. He's always loved the idea of investing in brands like Hermès, because he can wear the pieces for years and know they'll hold value (with the bonus of each piece having an interesting story behind it). Today, he's sharing some of his secrets as a long-time Hermès collector and investor!
I collect Hermès mostly because...
...they're a great investment! Hermès bags consistently outperform other luxury items year on year, beating art, gold, wine and collectible cars. I like to wear and enjoy my investments instead of having them in a bank. If you buy right, especially rare pieces in great condition – you can get a lot from your investment in years to come. I have an affinity for the Kelly over anything as I find it so wearable, practical and generally really attractive – I am currently loving my Kelly 28cm in Orange H Swift Leather with palladium hardware.
I look after my collection carefully...
...and I always keep my handbags covered. I recommend keeping your handbag stored in the original dust bag it came with. Although some leathers are more durable than others, leaving your bag on the floor will increase the risk of corner wear - your bag deserves a seat too! Handbags are also susceptible to rain damage; but brands like Hermès provide a rain coat with various models. I get many questions on how to clean leather handbags appropriately, but I'd only recommend doing this when it is totally necessary to prevent drying out the leather. I use alcohol- and fragrance-free antibacterial wipes made for leather.
If you want to start building your own collection...
...you can't go wrong with a vintage Hermès Kelly 28cm or 32cm in a neutral colour like black, gold, navy or red. I personally, like box calf or Epsom leather with gold hardware. Every collection needs a Chanel Classic Double Flap Bag in black lambskin with 24k gold-plated hardware, they're a collector must-have and our bestselling item at Xupes! I also love my Louis Vuitton vintage Mini HL Speedy in brown monogram coated canvas with golden brass hardware. It's super small, but surprisingly you can fit all your essentials inside. I couldn’t recommend a bag more - It gets so much attention when I wear it.
If a Birkin is out of your reach, you could start your collection with...
Clic H Bracelet – I love wearing these and I am currently trying to track down a white enamel with gold hardware, which is harder to score than a Birkin, in my size. You can't go wrong with a silk 90cm Scarf – I love the Brides de Gala designs, they are the perfect mix of modern and traditional. Heure H is so chic – preferably Gold with a Barenia leather strap.