Hermès Birkin Special Order

An Hermès Horseshoe stamp ("HSS"), is a Special Order ("SO") for an Hermès bag that has had each of the design elements carefully selected by the customer. As a result, the customer receives an Hermès bag that is specifically tailored to their personal liking - truly "special" indeed! Getting offered a Birkin HSS has proven to be difficult: it is considered one of the most exclusive opportunities in the luxury fashion world as there is a certain limit as to how many SOs can be offered. 
Hermès Birkin Special Order

Hermès Birkin Special Order 25

Hermès Birkin Special Order

Hermès Birkin Special Order 30

Hermès Birkin Special Order

Hermès Birkin Special Order 35

Hermès Birkin Special Order

Hermès Birkin Special Order 40

About Hermès

Since 1837, Hermès has remained faithful to its artisanal model and its humanist values. The freedom to create, the constant quest for beautiful materials, and the transmission of exceptional know-how – which enable the creation of useful, and elegant objects which stand the test of time – forge the uniqueness of Hermès. Family-run, independent and socially responsible, the company is committed to maintaining the majority of its production in France, through its 43 production sites, while developing its international distribution network of 311 stores in 45 countries.

Leather, Skins, & Material

Offered in a wide range of different leathers and skins, the most popular types of leather personally chosen to craft the Hermès Birkin include Clemence, Epsom and Togo. Other leathers include Barenia Natural, Box Calf, Fjord, Swift, Buffalo Skipper, Chamonix, Chevre de Coromandel, Doblis Suede and Chevre Mysore. Exotic skins include Varanus Niloticus (Lizard), Ostrich, Alligator, Crocodile Niloticus (matte and shiny), Crocodile Porosus and Natural Lizard.

There are currently five versions of the Birkin Special Order Bag: 

Version 1: 
  • Looks like a regular Birkin - exterior, interior, stitching are the same colour.
  • Your choice in hardware. 
Version 2:
  • The exterior is one color.
  • The interior and stitching are different colors.
  • Your choice in hardware.
Version 3:
  • The exterior is one color.
  • The interior, piping, and stitching are different colors.
  • Your choice in hardware.
Version 4: 
  • The exterior is one color.
  • The interior, piping, stitching, handles, straps and clochette are one color, that is a different color than the exterior. 
  • Your choice in hardware.
Version 5:
  • The exterior is one color.
  • The interior, side panels ("gussets") handles, straps and clochette are one color, that is a different color than the exterior. 
  • Your choice in hardware. 

History of the Birkin Special Order

Inspired by an exchange between former Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas and actress Jane Birkin, the Hermès Birkin bag is undoubtedly fashion's ultimate status symbol. 

How to Buy

To get your hands on a Birkin HSS, there are six steps:
  1. Be invited to place a Special Order by an Hermès sales associate. 
  2. Prepare in advance as to what version and color options you want. Keep in mind your sales associate might offer you different choices than what you had prepared. 
  3. Attend your appointment with your sales associate where they will fill out the necessary paperwork detailing your Special Order and place the order. 
  4. Wait for your Special Order to be approved by Hermès in Paris. It is important to note that Special Orders are subject to changes or even rejection by the brand. 
  5. Wait for your bag to arrive at your local Hermès boutique! On average, it takes approximately six months to one year for customers to receive their SOs.
  6. Say yes to the bag! After seeing your SO bag in person, you have the option to accept or reject the bag. If you accept, you'll pay for the bag at no extra cost. An SO Birkin will cost the same as a non-HSS Birkin.