A Guide to Hermès Exotic Skin Bags

All Hermès bags are rightly treasured as works of art. But the most highly coveted are the Hermès exotic skin bags. These cherished bags marry the exquisite, equestrian style Hermès craftsmanship with the extraordinary colors and textures of exotic leathers like lizard, alligator, ostrich, and crocodile. The exotic skin is evaluated and applied to an Hermès design, so the skin’s singular qualities and textures make each handbag truly unique. 

Hermès exotic skin handbags are worshipped by any Hermès lover and are virtually impossible to procure from an Hermès boutique. In recent years, Hermès has reserved their exotic handbags and accessories for their ultra VIP customers; those who have spent close to or above seven figures in store. This has created a scarcity of exotics, and we predict the price of these items in the secondary market will go up exponentially vs. the classic leather handbags. This is why many consider exotic Hermès handbags to be the best Hermès investment you can make!

Each exotic leather lends its own personality to the overall design. For instance, the natural quill dot pattern gives Hermès ostrich bags an undeniably feminine flair. The scales on Hermès alligator and crocodile bags create an aura of exclusivity. Hermès crocodile bags and all exotic skin handbags and accessories are handcrafted in strict compliance with CITES.

Discover your favorite styles among our collection of Hermès exotic skin bags. The iconic Birkin bag is also crafted out of various exotic skins and makes for a stunning Hermès crocodile bag. In fact, the most highly sought-after handbag in the world today is the Himalaya Birkin, an extraordinary Hermès crocodile bag whose large-scaled niloticus skin is painstakingly hand-dyed to resemble the snow-capped Himalayas. 

The more irregular patterning of alligator skin lends a dashing air to the Birkin and the classic Kelly bag alike. Depending upon the model, the crocodile and the alligator Hermès purse may be finished in a soft, supple matte or a brilliant gloss.

Another favorite among the Hermès exotic skin bags is the charming Constance bag. The chic shoulder bag may be rendered in several different luxurious leathers and is gorgeous as an Hermès lizard bag. The glamour and quality of Hermès exotic skin bags simply glow among our collection of Hermès Special Order or Horseshoe Stamp (HSS) bags.

Exotic Skins

Alligator

Not to be confused with crocodile, the scales of the Alligator skin Hermes uses are more patterned than that of the crocodile: alligator scales are larger, more square, and feature rougher ridges due to the toughness of the skin. Alligator pieces come in both matt and shiny (lisse) finishes. The richness of the material makes it perfect for capturing vibrant colours and dyes, emphasizing effervescent colours like bright blues and pinks. The skin is farmed from the American Alligator natively found in the Mississippi River region in Hermes's farms in Texas.

The resale value for crocodile is higher. However, Hermès is making more alligator handbags in this size because they really show off the beauty of the scales.

Brand stamp: "□" square

Crocodile

One of Hermes' most covetable and highly regarded exotic skins is the crocodile. This skin is vibrant and durable, yet must be kept away from water to maintain its pristine condition. Hermes crocodile handbags are sourced from two places: Porosus and Niloticus.

Crocodile Porosus 

Crocodile Porosus ranks #1 in fetching the highest resale price, as it is a genuinely premium material with small, square, and symmetrical scale patterns. Characterized by tiny pores on each skin scale, Crocodile Porosus is acquired from Crocodylus Porosus crocodiles, a saltwater species common to the entire Indo-Pacific region Hermès farms in Australia.

Brand stamp: '^' mark in foil

Crocodile Niloticus 

This skin is harvested from Crocodylus Niloticus crocodiles, which Hermes sources at the southernmost tip of the Nile River in Zimbabwe. These skins feature slightly larger scales than the Porosus Crocodile and are often seen lacking distinct pores.

Brand stamp: "••" diaeresis mark in foil

Lizard

As one of Hermes' most delicate skins, lizard skin requires a lot of special attention and is kept at a comfortable temperature to avoid drying and peeling. In addition, lizard skin is generally used for smaller handbags and accessories due to the size of the African monitor lizards used by Hermes.

Lizard Niloticus

The more common of the two Lizard skins, Lizard Niloticus, features ovate instead of circular scales, with tighter webbing between each scale.

Brand stamp: "-" single hyphen

Lizard Salvator

The skins of the Varanus Salvator are both native and farmed by Hermes in Southeast Asia. This skin often has an iconic "ombre" look from the lizard's natural ringlet patterning.

The scales of this lizard are identifiable by their circular hexagram shape. You may also notice a faint darkening effect near the center of each scale, as the small spines were polished off while preparing the skin for construction.

Brand stamp: "=" double hyphen

Ostrich

Ostrich skin is instantly recognizable by its large size pores, which give it a “spotted” look. This is the most durable Hermès exotic skin: lightweight, water resistant and exceptionally sturdy. Ostrich bags hold their shape well over time, making it a popular leather for those bags you carry often.

Hermès's Ostrich skins are farmed from Struthio Camelus ostriches from South Africa. Hermes treats its ostrich skin with colorations exclusive to the skin, like Violine, Tangerine and Gris Agate.

Brand stamp: No stamp

Himalaya

Of course, we saved the best – or most iconic, for last. The holy grail of Hermes' exotic skins, the Himalaya is crafted from Nile crocodile hide. The Himalaya features a delicate gradation of rocky grey and pearl white. The process of dyeing a crocodile hide is time-consuming and expensive.

Bags made using the wondrous and fine Himalaya material are produced in the most limited of numbers and reserved for the House's top clients, resulting in its rarity and cult status.

How do I ensure proper care for my Hermès exotic leather handbag?

Proper care is critical for preserving the beauty of a Hermès exotic skin bag. Protect the bag from water and humidity. Take care not to handle the bag with lotion or perfume on your hands. Gently wipe down the bag’s exterior with a soft microfiber cloth. When you store the bag, empty the contents to prevent imprinting the leather. Stuff the bag with acid-free tissue paper to maintain its shape. Store in a temperature-controlled setting, out of direct sunlight. 

Please note that your hands’ natural oils will darken the exotic skin. Consider using a Twilly around the handbag’s handles to protect them.