Latest news with #Hermès
New York Times
19 hours ago
- Business
- New York Times
The Birkin Inspires Yet Another Homage
Hop aboard a Hampton Jitney bus or a ferry to Nantucket this summer and you will probably see some L.L. Bean Boat and Totes, or maybe even an Hermès Birkin. You might also spot a new bag that looks like the child of those two: the Boatkin. Introduced in January by Hathaway Hutton, a brand in Philadelphia, Boatkins are made of canvas — some from old Boat and Totes — and have a shape and hardware similar to those of Birkins. 'Quiet luxury with a smirk' is how Hathaway Hutton's founder, Jen Risk, described the bag. 'I wanted to mess with the seriousness of it all and give it some personality.' Ms. Risk, 41, a self-taught sewer who started her brand in 2017, has positioned herself as a sort of Dr. Frankenstein of luxury goods: She has sold hand-painted Goyard totes and pool attire made of vintage Hermés beach towels. The Boatkin bag is her newest creation, and is among the latest accessories to borrow some of the Birkin's clout. See: Telfar's Shopping Bag, also known as the 'Bushwick Birkin'; the design collective MSCHF's 'Birkinstock' sandals; and Slow and Steady Wins the Race's four-sided Birkin replica. Each Boatkin is made in a work space at Ms. Risk's home, she said, a process that can take up to 10 hours. (A Birkin, by comparison, can take more than 18 hours to make, while a Boat and Tote can be stitched together in under 10 minutes.) Boatkins made from Boat and Totes provided by customers start at about $1,200; versions made with materials sourced by Ms. Risk, at about $1,600. She has sold more than 300 bags since introducing the style. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Tatler Asia
a day ago
- Business
- Tatler Asia
What are luxury brands doing in the face of trade tariffs?
Above Maroquinerie de Louviers in Normandy is Hermès' 21st workshop (Photo: Hermès) Many high-end brands have also accelerated domestic production capabilities in the last few years. Whether these were in direct relation to imposed tariffs is unknown. For instance, LVMH has increased its European production capabilities, particularly for Louis Vuitton leather goods. Two new ateliers have opened in France in 2022 and increased hiring has been widely reported. Similarly, Richemont, Van Cleef & Arpels' parent company, has been investing in expanding its French manufacturing footprint for the jewellery brand, including plans to open two new workshops in France by 2026. This will create approximately 600 new jobs. In April 2023, Hermès opened a new leather workshop, Maroquinerie de Louviers, in Normandy. Since 2010, Hermès has opened 11 leather goods workshops in France. Read more: The Arnault effect: how LVMH defines global luxury, indulgence and desire TikTok manufacturing exposé Above Viral TikToks show luxury bags made in Chinese factories (Photo: Screenshot of TikTok) The trade tensions have sparked an unexpected cultural phenomenon that further complicates the luxury industry's narrative. In April 2025, Chinese manufacturers began flooding TikTok with viral videos claiming to expose the truth behind luxury goods manufacturing; factory owners present themselves as the original equipment manufacturers for major luxury brands while standing in front of walls of what appear to be expensive handbags. These 'Trade War TikTok' videos feature sales agents breaking down the material costs of luxury goods, claiming items like Hermès Birkin bags and Lululemon leggings cost just a fraction of their retail prices to produce. However, experts labelled many of these claims as false, noting that the videos represent a form of mass consumer disinformation rather than factual exposés; a well-oiled machine to sell high-quality counterfeit goods. Read more: The best quirky bag charms to Jane Birkin-fy your bag Diversification of materials Above Chanel known for its tweed, recently acquired a 35 per cent stake in an Italian silk manufacturing company () Perhaps the most intriguing development has been the acceleration of material innovation and diversification. Faced with unpredictable costs for traditional luxury materials, brands have invested in alternatives. Since its launch in 2001, Stella McCartney has been committed to using sustainable materials in its products, refusing to use leather, fur, skins, feathers or animal glues. It continues to lead in this area, with garments made from planet-friendly alternatives such as grape-based leather substitutes in partnership with Veuve Clicquot. The vegan leather is manufactured from 80 per cent recycled materials. Chanel has increased its use of French-produced tweeds and Italian silks. In April 2025, after 50 years of working together with Italian silk manufacturer Mantero Setamarketing in Como, Italy, it acquired a 35 per cent stake in the company. Chanel president of fashion Bruno Pavlovsky said before the brand's Cruise 2025-26 show, 'I always say that Chanel is half French and half Italian.' Read more: Kicks by Kibo: The Hong Kong brand making sneakers using apple waste The Asian manufacturing renaissance While Western and European brands adapt, Asian manufacturing hubs have proven remarkably resilient. China's luxury goods production has evolved beyond simple contract manufacturing toward full-service partnerships that include design, materials sourcing and even marketing support. Vietnam has emerged as a particular beneficiary, with leather footwear production increasing by 31.8 per cent since 2025. Bangladesh, traditionally associated with fast fashion, has made surprising inroads into luxury accessories. It is actively promoting its leather, footwear, and leather goods sector internationally and is recognised as a competitive sourcing destination for global buyers. Read more: Ladies Who Lead: The fashion founders behind Jimmy Choo, Perfect Moment, Rejina Pyo, Saloni and Boyy share their advice for fledgling designers These countries have also strengthened regional trade relationships, creating alternative supply networks that reduce dependence on any single market. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has facilitated smoother trade flows within Asia, allowing manufacturers to source materials regionally and maintain competitive pricing despite external tariff pressures. The rise of Asian luxury Above (Video: Shang Xia) Asian luxury brands themselves have turned trade tensions into competitive advantages. Chinese brands like Shang Xia (backed by Hermès) and Qeelin have emphasised their domestic heritage, appealing to both local pride and international curiosity about authentic Asian luxury. Japanese brands have been particularly strategic, leveraging their reputation for quality while maintaining manufacturing flexibility. Issey Miyake has expanded production capabilities in both Japan and selected Southeast Asian facilities, allowing the brand to serve different markets through optimal supply chain configurations. Read more: Chinese designer Yang Li is Shang Xia's new fashion director Strategic moves for luxury consumers Above Savvy luxury customers understand the industry shifts and are adjusting their purchasing decisions () For discerning buyers, understanding these industry shifts presents clear opportunities to maximise purchasing power while building more strategic collections. The most sophisticated consumers are already adjusting their approach to luxury acquisition. Savvy buyers are monitoring production cycles and tariff announcements to optimise purchase timing. Items manufactured before tariff implementations often remain at lower price points until inventory clears. Heritage pieces are also smart pieces to invest in. These items produced in the brands' traditional manufacturing bases are less susceptible to tariff-related price volatility. These pieces also tend to hold value better over time, making them superior long-term investments. As new luxury goods face pricing pressure from tariffs, pre-owned alternatives become comparatively more attractive, often offering items from periods when manufacturing costs were lower. Read more: The Tatler Guide to matching watches according to dress codes A new global fashion geography The long-term implications extend far beyond individual brand strategies. We're witnessing the emergence of a truly multipolar fashion industry, where production decisions are driven by sophisticated calculations that balance quality, cost, cultural authenticity and political stability. Smart luxury brands are treating this complexity as an opportunity rather than a burden. They're building supply chains that are not just efficient but also resilient, creative and aligned with evolving consumer values around transparency and sustainability. For investors and industry observers, the message is clear: the brands that will thrive in this new environment are those that view trade tensions not as obstacles to overcome, but as catalysts for innovation and differentiation. In an industry built on exclusivity and craftsmanship, the ability to tell compelling stories about provenance and production has become as valuable as the products themselves. The tariff era has fundamentally altered fashion's global calculus, but the industry's response suggests that adaptability remains its greatest luxury. Credits This article was created with the assistance of AI tools
CNET
a day ago
- Business
- CNET
Listen in Luxury: Hermès Launching $15,000 Headphones This Summer
Handstitched leather. Metallic finishes. Sleek design. A five-digit price tag. No, we're not talking about a car, but it costs nearly as much. Luxury brand Hermès is launching its first headphones this summer -- they're already on sale in The Netherlands -- and if you have to ask the price, you might not be able to afford it. They're $15,000. And no, they're not solid gold. The design, from Paris-based Ateliers Horizons, features handstitched cowhide leather and comes in colors such as naturel (dark beige), black, chocolate, rouge H (deep red) and Prussian blue. The headphones mark the first foray into audio for the company's bespoke division. The Hermès headphones are not yet for sale on the US store website, but they are on the site for The Netherlands. Hermes A representative for Hermès did not immediately respond to a request for comment. There's no word on when the headphones will be for sale in the US. It's the kind of unique and expensive product we're accustomed to seeing from Paris-based Hermès, which also sells the renowned and equally pricey Birkin tote bag. The Birkin was first introduced in 1984 for $2,000, but now sells for over $13,000. Don't have a cool $15K to pony up for these Hermès headphones? For more modestly priced devices, check out CNET's review of the top headphones of 2025, the best wireless ones and the best for noise-cancelling. For a bit of perspective, for the price of one set of Hermès headphones, you could buy 33 pair of one of CNET's top headphones for 2025, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth headphones, currently priced at $449 at Amazon. Hermès' new headphones are among the latest creations to come out of Hermès' bespoke division, Ateliers Horizons, based in the Paris suburbs. Designer Axel de Beaufort and his team of around 50 have previously made audio products such as a jukebox, vertical turntable boombox, and a lacquered mahogany DJ table. Hermès has also had a years-long partnership with Apple to create leather straps for Apple watches.
Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Why labubu dolls, Disney cartoons have become part of adult fashion
Open up a social media feed, and you are bombarded with blink-and-you-miss-it trends. There is one quirky movement, though, that's been enjoying a fan following among the stylish for months—the cuddly toy. Look around you—a small doll with a mischievous smile might be strapped to a work bag or a cartoon-ish motif is adding a pop of colour to a shirt in an office. Even mobile phones are getting more personality thanks to anime-inspired charm bracelets and covers. Cutesy toys and figurines in various shapes, sizes and colours from a child's world have entered the wardrobes of grown-ups. Fashion is tapping into 'toycore"—the marriage of fashion and cuddlies. While luxury brands like Miu Miu, Judith Leiber and Hermès have long launched toy-centric charms and bags, more designers and fast-fashion brands are offering their interpretations in clothes. Earlier this month, designer Kanika Goyal launched a limited edition collection in collaboration with Disney, aimed at adding the playfulness of Mickey Mouse and his friends to adult fashion that's fit for office, a brunch as well as an evening party. There's a two-tone jacket in denim blue and beige cotton to create concentric circles shaped like Mickey Mouse's ears that are filled with embroidery—pop culture meets streetwear. 'Disney characters are part of a shared global imagination. I grew up with them too—they weren't just cartoons. Childhood motifs act like emotional codes," Goyal says. 'We're living in a moment where people are looking for meaning and emotion in what they wear." Besides the nostalgic value and the playfulness, the other big pull of toycore fashion is the opportunity to tell the world about your personal style or current mood. One of the best-sellers of the latest collection in Kazo, a Delhi-based occasionwear fashion brand, is a white-purple striped formal shirt with prints of Bambi and Thumper. Also read: The latest trend in fashion: a show venue that tells a story 'We were also a bit surprised to learn that people are interested in a formal shirt with a cartoon than a casual T-shirt," says creative director Divya Aggarwal. Her guess is the growing confidence among consumers to wear 'conversation-starter pieces that speak of their mood and help them stand apart." Priyanka Sanghi, founder of Hair Drama Co., a homegrown luxury hair accessories boutique, offers a more detailed answer. 'Why would someone pick a charm shaped like a donut over one that's in the shape of an ice-cream? Your choice basically reflects your state of mind. Even an old bag becomes new if you add a small doll to the handle," she says. Her brand started offering charms over a year ago, given their rising popularity. Today, she has over 400 types of charms that can be customised for hats, hair accessories, bracelets and everything in between. In a month, they sell at least 100 charms, shaped like Barbie, palm trees, bags, cartoon characters, chillies and more. Almost half of their clients buy for themselves; the rest, for their children. 'The cartoon/toy vibe has been around for a while—look at those colourful Japanese ice-cream parlours, China's boba bars, Korea's ramen cafes. What's changed now is that toys have become mainstream. The current trend around labubus is crazy." Labubus are the viral China-made little Nordic elves with mischievous grins that many, like Sanghi, say led to the toycore fashion mania. The likes of David Beckham, Dua Lipa and Jahnvi Kapoor are all proud owners of labubus. So is Sanghi, who owns eight of them. 'It makes me feel like a child," says Sanghi, who turns 40 this year. 'I might be feeling a little down but a sight of a labubu (an original costs around ₹800, but can fetch up to ₹1 lakh on reseller sites) will instantly cheer me up; it's like having a pet. My friends are buying clothes for them." At a time when the news of war and global warming is keeping the world on edge, it's not a stretch to imagine that a cute-looking fluff ball can offer some comfort, even if momentarily. 'It's like a permission to not take everything so seriously," Goyal says. 'It speaks to a quiet, collective urge to hold on to the parts of ourselves that are still curious and unfiltered, especially in a world that's constantly asking us to be composed and contained. And there's something incredibly comforting about wearing a piece that brings you back to a simpler time, even momentarily." Also read: The salwar returns to the runway with a new look
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Forget the Birkin bag, Hermès unveils something unexpected
One day, I will own a black Birkin bag with gold hardware. Sure, that day might only arrive in my dreams, but a girl can hope, right? The Birkin is the holy grail of handbags - a symbol of wealth, taste, and that elusive cool factor. Celebrities flaunt them. Fashion insiders hoard them. And regular people? We fantasize about the moment our name is finally called on the waitlist. Related: Birkin bag maker faces major problem But now, Hermès (HESAF) is doing something unexpected. Something bold. Something that has nothing to do with purses at all. In a surprising twist, the French luxury house just dropped a new product that feels more Silicon Valley than Paris runway. It's sleek, limited-edition, and has a jaw-dropping price tag to match. And not a bag. According to Hypebeast, Hermès' bespoke Ateliers Horizons division has introduced a limited-edition set of luxury headphones priced at a staggering $15,000. They take cues from the iconic Kelly bag, wrapped in hand-stitched leather with gleaming metal accents - a bold collision of old-world craftsmanship and modern tech appeal. The Horizons team, led by Axel de Beaufort, has already made surfboards, hammocks, and even disco balls. But this drop might be its most ambitious yet. Related: Chanel customers should be happy about its new pricing plan Only a limited number of pairs will be made. They're less a gadget and more a wearable piece of art for people who want their tech to whisper "bespoke." If you ask me, it makes more sense to treat them like a museum piece than risk a single drop of sweat on that leather. Then again, if you're spending $15K on headphones, practicality probably isn't top of mind. Sure, you might not be in the market for $15,000 headphones. But what Hermès is doing here signals something much bigger, especially if you care about how luxury, tech, and culture are evolving. This launch shows exactly how legacy brands are fighting to stay relevant. Gen Z and millennial consumers (aka the ones shaping the future of the luxury market) aren't just buying for status anymore. They want story, identity, and innovation baked into everything they purchase. Hermès is betting big that the next generation of luxury consumers values pieces that feel personal, rare, and yes - unexpected. That means more fashion houses could follow, dropping high-concept, high-price-tag items that double as art and tech. Even if you're not adding these headphones to your cart, you're still part of the audience Hermès is signaling. The brand isn't just selling leather and sound. It's selling a vision of the future - and inviting you to pay attention. Will these headphones become the next Birkin? Probably not. But they show Hermès knows exactly how to keep people watching. Related: Cartier and Van Cleef owner announces surprising year-end results The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
