There has been a very specific shift over the past couple of years, and if you have even the slightest interest in luxury fashion, you will have seen it unfolding in real time. Women are quietly, and sometimes quite publicly, selling their Hermès bags. Not because they have fallen out of love with them, not because they no longer fit their style, but because they no longer feel entirely safe owning them. It is not a trend in the traditional sense, but more of a reaction to a changing environment, and one that has sparked a lot of conversation.
It is a strange place for fashion to find itself, particularly at this level. These bags, once positioned as the ultimate symbol of craftsmanship, patience, and aspiration, are now being discussed alongside words like risk and visibility. That shift feels quite significant. And while I completely understand where the concern is coming from, and I do not dismiss it in any way, I also know that I am not parting ways with mine. Not now, and not because of fear.
The Conversation We’re All Seeing
There is no denying that the conversation around theft and targeted luxury items has become more visible, more talked about, and more widely understood. Hermès, as a brand, naturally sits at the centre of that discussion because of how recognisable the bags are and the level of value attached to them. These are not subtle pieces, and anyone with even a vague understanding of fashion can identify them from across a room. That visibility is part of their appeal, but it is also what places them under scrutiny.
I would be naïve to say that I have not noticed it or that it has not crossed my mind. Of course it has. It would be unrealistic to pretend otherwise. But there is a clear distinction between being aware of something and allowing it to dictate your decisions entirely. I think it is very easy, especially with the way information spreads now, to let awareness slip into fear without even realising it. For me, that is a line I am not willing to cross without reason.
Why I Understand the Sell-Off
If something you own begins to make you feel uneasy, it stops being a luxury in the truest sense of the word. It becomes something that carries weight, and not in a good way. I completely understand why some women have chosen to sell their collections and remove that feeling entirely from their lives. When something that once brought you excitement and pride begins to create anxiety, it no longer serves its purpose, and letting it go can feel like reclaiming control.
For some, it is purely about safety. For others, it is about peace of mind, which is just as important. There is no handbag, no matter how beautiful or well crafted, that is worth feeling constantly on edge for. I think it is important to say that without hesitation. If selling those pieces allows someone to move through their day without that underlying concern, then it is absolutely the right decision for them, and one that makes complete sense in their world.
What My Hermès Bags Mean to Me
For me, my Hermès pieces are not just items that sit on a shelf or get taken out on special occasions. I own around five, and each one was purchased with intention, thought, and a genuine love for what it represents. These were not impulse decisions or trend driven buys. They were carefully considered additions to my wardrobe, chosen because they felt like me and aligned with how I like to dress and present myself.
I carry them regularly, not occasionally, and that is an important distinction. They are part of my everyday life, not something I feel the need to protect from use. As someone who truly loves fashion, these bags are an extension of that passion. Letting them go purely out of fear would feel like giving up something I have worked for and genuinely enjoy. And for me, that trade-off does not feel justified.
The Reality of Where I Am
I am also very aware that my experience is shaped by my environment. I am not based in London on a daily basis, where many of these stories seem to be concentrated, and I think it would be disingenuous to ignore that. Location plays a role in how you experience the world, and I recognise that my day-to-day life may feel very different to someone navigating a much busier, more targeted environment.
That said, I am not careless or unaware. I would never openly share my home address or make myself an easy target, but that is not something I would do regardless of what I own. For me, this is about general awareness rather than fear tied specifically to Hermès. It is about understanding your surroundings and acting accordingly, rather than removing things from your life entirely.
Being Mindful, Not Restricted
There is a difference between being cautious and being restricted, and I think that line is worth paying attention to. Carrying these bags does not mean ignoring what is happening around me. It simply means being mindful of it and making decisions that feel sensible in the moment. I am aware of where I am, who is around me, and what feels appropriate depending on the situation.
There are absolutely moments where I will reach for something more understated, and that feels like a natural choice rather than a forced one. It is not about proving a point or making a statement, it is just about using common sense. But I am not willing to remove something entirely from my life because of what might happen. That feels like giving too much power to something that has not directly impacted me.
The Bigger Picture
I think this entire conversation says something much broader about how we are beginning to view luxury. It is no longer just about aspiration, status, or even craftsmanship. It now sits alongside practicality, safety, and how things fit into real life. That shift feels quite significant because it changes the way people interact with the items they once saw purely as a reward or a milestone.
That does not mean luxury is no longer worth it, but it does mean people are approaching it differently. More thoughtfully, more cautiously, and perhaps with a bit more realism. And while that is not necessarily a negative thing, it does raise the question of how much we allow external factors to influence what we enjoy. At what point does awareness become limitation, and is that something we are comfortable with?
Final Thoughts
So no, I am not selling my Hermès bags. Not because I am ignoring the conversation or pretending that nothing has changed, but because I have found a balance that works for me. I am aware of what is happening, I take it into consideration, and I move accordingly, but I do not feel the need to remove something from my life that continues to bring me joy.
For me, these pieces still feel special. They still feel like something I worked towards and something I enjoy using regularly. As long as that remains the case, they will stay exactly where they are. I would genuinely love to know your thoughts on this, because it is such an interesting shift. Has it changed how you view or use luxury at all, or are you approaching it in the same way as before?
