Ardennes leather is often reported by many Hermes collectors to be one of the most durable and beautiful leathers used by Hermes. Let's explore what Ardennes leather is, when it was discontinued, and whether it should be a consideration for your Hermes bags.
Ever been curious about when Hermes said goodbye to using Ardennes leather for their iconic bags? Ardennes leather had been a huge favorite among Hermes enthusiasts for its strong and sturdy nature, its ability to fight off scratches, and the gorgeous aged look it gets as time goes by. But, sadly, in the early 2000s, Hermes opted to move on from Ardennes leather, leaving many wondering about the reason behind this decision.
Ardennes Leather History
Originating from the Ardennes area which spans Belgium, Luxembourg, and France, this leather is quite the heavyweight champion, crafted from cowhide. It boasts a natural pebbly surface and is celebrated for standing the test of time with grace. The magic touch comes from being tanned with vegetable dyes, bestowing it with a deeply rich hue.
Why did Hermes discontinued Ardennes Leather?
The main crunch came in the early 2000s, when finding this specific leather became a tough task for Hermes. With the surge in demand for their bags, Hermes was on the hunt for materials that could keep up with their lofty production targets. Moreover, Hermes had an itch to mix things up a bit, aiming to bring in fresh materials that could charm a broader base of customers with varied textures and looks.
An Alternative to Ardennes
Despite its popularity, Hermes decided to discontinue the use of Ardennes leather in the early 2000s. Vache Liegee leather was introduced in 2004 to replace Ardennes. Vache Liegee is also a thick and sturdy leather, making it suitable for maintaining the shape of the bags crafted from it, thus continuing the legacy of durability that Ardennes was known for.
Another alternative to Ardennes depending on your taste might be the Fjord leather. A thick goat leather, it's one of the sturdiest leathers used by Hermes.
Once Ardennes took its bow, Hermes didn't waste any time introducing new stars like Clemence, Togo, Epsom, and Swift leathers. These newcomers quickly won over the hearts of Hermes fans, each bringing its own special texture and style to the table. Clemence leather gives you a vibe similar to Ardennes but feels softer. Togo leather boasts a sleeker finish yet doesn’t compromise on toughness. Epsom, with its glossed-up look, stands strong against scratches.
Why Collectors Love Hermes Ardennes Leather
Though Ardennes leather has exited the Hermes stage, it certainly hasn't faded from the memories of its admirers. Bags flaunting Ardennes leather are now treasured finds, often fetching a pretty penny on the resale scene.
To wrap it up, Hermes’ break-up with Ardennes leather in the early 2000s was sparked by sourcing hurdles and their eagerness to explore new avenues in material choices. Despite no longer being part of the current lineup, Ardennes leather has left an indelible mark on Hermes’ legacy, continuing to be celebrated by fans and collectors alike.
