Otherwise, a soft pillow case will do.” Rachel Koffsky, VP, international senior specialist for the handbags and accessories department at Christie’s If the piece came with a dust bag and box, store the bag in its original packaging. When putting bags away, it is important that they are emptied out and stuffed with something soft, such as a small pillow, bubble wrap or tissue paper. “Make sure that when you use your valuable pieces, you treat them carefully.This will help maintain the shape.” Tony Freund, editorial director at 1st Dibs Don’t store it empty, stuff it with some plain tissue paper, air pockets or a bubble wrap, but be sure not to overstuff it. Never store it hanging by the handles or the strap. You want to keep the bag covered at all times when it’s not in use. If you have the original box, store it inside. “You want to store it at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.Hermès Kelly 32 leather handbag, “never worn with tag,” £8,125, available at. Be patient – you might wait months or years for the right style to become available. When buying a brand new Hermès style, it’s best to reach out directly to stores and boutiques, who will assist your search. “We welcome private appointments with our personal shopping team and can share videos to ensure our clients are confident with their purchase.” “We encourage questions – our team of experts can help you find your favourite colour, size, leather and style,” explains HEWI’s CEO, Tatiana Wolter-Ferguson. Auction houses are a good place to start for those seeking rarer models, with the likes of Vestiaire Collective, 1stDibs, Hardly Ever Worn It and Collector Square all major players in the luxury resale market.
“I highly recommend purchasing a vintage piece from a reputable source,” notes Koffsky, who deals with Hermès pieces on a regular basis. Hermès Birkin 35 leather handbag, £9,970, available at.