Inside the Secret World of Hermès Special Order Bags

Inside the Secret World of Hermès Special Order Bags

Introduction

Owning an Hermès Birkin or Kelly bag is a luxury in itself, but for a select group of elite clients, there is an even more exclusive category—Hermès Special Order (HSS) bags. These custom-made Birkin and Kelly bags, available only to VIP clients, feature personalized colors, exotic leathers, and unique combinations that are never available in standard Hermès boutiques.

At the heart of this exclusivity is the Horseshoe Stamp (HSS)—a small symbol near the Hermès logo that indicates a bag was custom-ordered by a VIP client. But how does one qualify for an HSS bag, and why do these bags hold higher resale value than regular Hermès handbags?

This guide takes you inside the secret world of Hermès Special Order bags, explaining the Horseshoe Stamp, how clients can custom-order a Birkin or Kelly, and why these HSS bags fetch premium prices in the resale market.


1. What is an Hermès Special Order (HSS) Bag?

An Hermès Special Order bag, also known as an HSS bag, is a custom-made Hermès Birkin or Kelly that is exclusively offered to VIP clients. These bags allow customers to choose:

  • Custom Color Combinations – Two-tone or even three-tone options that aren’t available in regular collections.
  • Exotic Leathers – Special requests for Niloticus Crocodile, Alligator, Ostrich, and Lizard.
  • Personalized Features – Options like contrasting stitching, interior colors, and unique hardware selections.

Unlike standard Birkins and Kellys, HSS bags have an extra layer of exclusivity, making them highly desirable on the resale market.

The Meaning of the Horseshoe Stamp (HSS)

A key feature of Hermès Special Order bags is the Horseshoe Stamp (HSS), found next to the Hermès Paris Made in France logo inside the bag.

FeatureStandard Birkin/KellyHSS Special Order Birkin/Kelly
Color CombinationsSingle colorCustom two-tone or multi-tone
Leather OptionsLimited selectionExotic leathers available
PersonalizationNot allowedCustom interior stitching
Horseshoe Stamp❌ No✅ Yes (Stamped near the logo)

If you spot a Horseshoe Stamp on an Hermès bag, it means it was a custom-made piece for a VIP client, making it significantly more valuable in the resale market.


2. How Do Clients Qualify for a Special Order Birkin or Kelly?

Unlike regular Hermès handbags, Special Order bags are not available to just anyone. Clients must meet strict eligibility criteria to be invited to place a custom order.

Who Can Place an Hermès Special Order?

VIP Clients with a Strong Purchase History – Regular buyers who have spent ₹25,00,000+ annually on Hermès products.
Exclusive Boutique Clients – Special Order invitations are issued by boutique managers to select customers.
Existing Birkin Kelly Owners – Clients must have already purchased multiple Hermès bags before being considered for an HSS.

For those who don’t meet these requirements, pre-owned HSS bags are the only way to own a Special Order Hermès handbag.

Explore authentic Hermès HSS bags here: Shop Now


3. What Makes Hermès Special Order Bags More Valuable?

HSS bags are extremely rare, and collectors often pay premium resale prices to acquire them.

Why Do Special Order Bags Have a Higher Resale Value?

  • Ultra-Limited Availability – Only a handful of HSS bags are produced yearly.
  • Custom Color Combinations – Some color combos exist only once, making them unique.
  • High Demand from Collectors – Since these bags are never available in boutiques, resale prices can be 30-50% higher than standard Birkins and Kellys.

Resale Price Comparison: Standard vs. HSS Bags

Bag ModelStandard Birkin/Kelly Price (INR)Special Order (HSS) Price (INR)
Birkin 25 (Togo)₹12,00,000 – ₹18,00,000₹15,00,000 – ₹22,00,000
Birkin 30 (Togo)₹15,00,000 – ₹22,00,000₹18,00,000 – ₹28,00,000
Kelly 25 (Sellier Epsom)₹13,00,000 – ₹20,00,000₹16,00,000 – ₹25,00,000

Discover pre-owned Hermès Special Order bags here: View Collection


4. Rare Unique Hermès Special Order Bags

Over the years, some Hermès HSS bags have become legendary, thanks to their rare colors, exotic materials, and collector status.

1. Two-Tone Birkin 30 (HSS)

  • Features a contrasting exterior and interior for a bold, elegant look.
  • Common two-tone combinations: Etoupe Gold, Noir Rouge Casaque, and Bleu Nuit Bleu Jean.

2. Niloticus Crocodile HSS Birkin

  • Specially ordered in exotic Niloticus Crocodile leather, sometimes with contrasting hardware.
  • Ultra-rare, with prices soaring past ₹50,00,000 on the resale market.

3. Kelly Sellier HSS in Rose Sakura Gris Perle

  • One of the most feminine and elegant Special Order Kelly bags.
  • Light pink exterior with a contrasting gray interior, making it a standout collector’s piece.

Looking for an investment-worthy Hermès bag? Browse available options here: Shop Pre-Owned HSS Bags


5. How to Buy a Special Order Hermès Bag Without a VIP Status

Since getting a Special Order invitation from Hermès is extremely difficult, many collectors turn to the pre-owned luxury market to find rare HSS bags.

Why Buy an HSS Bag Pre-Owned?

  • No Waiting List – Get access to rare two-tone or exotic HSS bags immediately.
  • Choose the Exact Color Leather – Find unique combinations that are not available at boutiques.
  • Guaranteed Authenticity – Buy from trusted resellers who verify every Hermès bag.
Buying From Hermès BoutiqueBuying Pre-Owned HSS Bags
Must be a VIP ClientAvailable to anyone
Waiting time: 1-2 yearsImmediate purchase
Limited color selectionWide variety of rare options

For those who want a one-of-a-kind Hermès Special Order bag, check out My Luxury Bargain for a curated selection of HSS Birkin and Kelly bags.


Final Thoughts: Why Hermès Special Order Bags Are So Exclusive

Hermès Special Order bags are the ultimate luxury status symbol, offering a level of personalization and rarity that standard Birkins and Kellys do not. Whether it’s a two-tone HSS Birkin, an exotic leather Kelly, or a unique color combination, these bags are highly sought after and appreciate significantly in value.

For those who don’t want to wait years for an HSS invitation, the pre-owned market is the best way to acquire these rare treasures.

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind Hermès bag, explore My Luxury Bargain for a collection of authentic, investment-worthy Hermès Special Order handbags.