My Paris Hermès Story

Six trips, one journey

I did not.

So I went back.

Over six trips, I experienced the Paris leather appointment process from almost every angle: unsuccessful lottery applications, unexpected walk-ins, appointments that ended with no bag, offers I declined, offers I still think about, my first Kelly, my first Birkin — and eventually the beginning of the long-term relationship with an Hermès sales associate that I had hoped to build for years.

Along the way, I also realized how much my own perspective had changed.

The bags I thought I wanted weren’t always the bags I loved in person. I became more particular about size, leather, color and hardware. I stopped believing some of my early theories. And eventually, getting offered a bag became much less important than finding my bag.

Now I’m putting the entire story in one place.

A digital book

My Paris Hermès Story is a beautifully designed digital book combining the complete story of my six Paris trips with the practical information I wish I had when I started.

Inside the book

Inside, I share the appointments that worked out — and the ones that didn’t. The Kelly and Birkin I eventually brought home. The bags I turned down. My experience at Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Sèvres and George V. What I genuinely believe helped me, what I tried but cannot prove made any difference, and what I would do differently if I were starting again today.

The final chapter becomes my unofficial Paris Hermès guide, covering how I personally approach the leather appointment request, walk-ins and cancellations, building a wishlist, choosing when to visit, purchase history, communicating during an appointment, deciding whether to accept an unexpected offer — and, perhaps most importantly, how to enjoy Paris even when Hermès says no.