Hermès Special Order (HSS)

Among the fashion elite, there is no greater status symbol than an Hermès special order bag. Twice a year, Hermès allows its VIP clients the opportunity to customize their own Hermès bag,  creating truly bespoke pieces that are the epitome of luxury. At Madison Avenue Couture, we are proud to offer an exclusive selection of these 100% authentic HSS bags, showcasing our leadership in sourcing the finest bespoke Hermès pieces.

Each Hermès custom, or à la carte bag, features a special horseshoe stamp to the left of the Hermès embossed stamp under the front flap of the bag. This stamp authenticates the bag as a genuine special order and has led to Hermès special order bags being referred to as Horseshoe Stamp bags or HSS handbags. 

The select VIP clients may choose from specific models, leathers, colors, hardware finishes, and topstitching colors and styles for their bespoke handbag, which may take anywhere between six months and three years to be delivered. As the largest seller of authentic Hermès bags, Madison Avenue Couture provides our clients with unparalleled access to these extraordinary, one-of-a-kind creations.

Authentic Hermès Custom Bags

Among the selection of Hermès limited edition bags, the custom Birkin bag ranks most popular. The Birkin special order may be fashioned with palladium hardware for the plaque, the pontet, the lock, and the four clou (feet), or the customer may choose gold-plated or rose gold hardware. In addition to the à la carte Birkin bags, the classic Kelly bag is another favorite among the HSS handbags.

The special order will be of one of Hermès’ quality leathers like Togo, Chevre, Epsom, or Clemence and in an Hermès classic or seasonal color. Many Hermès custom bags are crafted of one color typically with a contrasting color for the straps, the sangles, the side gussets, and the clochette. A select group of VIPs will have the opportunity to customize their horseshoe bag in an exotic skin. The Birkin or Kelly would be a bi-color ostrich, alligator, crocodile, or lizard that complement the VIP’s taste and lifestyle. At Madison Avenue Couture, we offer exclusive access to these highly sought-after bags, ensuring our clients find the perfect HSS piece to add to their collection.

Capture the magic of owning an Hermès Special Order Bag — a rare piece of wearable, functional art, only available through Madison Avenue Couture, your trusted source for authentic Hermès bespoke creations.

FAQs About Hermès Special Order (HSS) Bags

Can anyone request an Hermès special order, or is it limited to top-tier clients?

While anyone can request an Hermès special order, HSS bags are typically reserved for established clients with considerable prespend. They are usually offered through a sales associate when a special order slot becomes available, with limited options for bag styles, leathers, colors, and hardware.

A strong client relationship helps, but Hermès does not publish a spending threshold that guarantees an Hermès custom bag. Some collectors are offered a special-order Birkin only after years of buying, while others are surprised with an invitation much sooner.

Does a Hermès horseshoe bag command a higher resale price than a regular quota bag?

Yes, an Hermès horseshoe bag often commands a significantly higher price at resale than a standard quota bag — but not always. Desirable and contrasting color combinations, strong leather choices, and sought-after sizes can outperform comparable standard bags because collectors value rarity and exclusivity.

But some HSS bag combinations prove far less popular and do not command a premium. Unusual color pairings can narrow the buyer pool, and some Hermès custom bags resell for less than more universally desirable standard quota bags.

How rare are Hermès special-order bags compared to regular quota bags?

Hermès special-order bags are substantially rarer than standard quota bags. Birkin and Kelly bags are already difficult to obtain, but HSS bags are extremely limited in production, and far fewer clients are invited to create one.

An enormous part of the appeal is their visual distinction. Bi-color exteriors, contrast interiors, and distinct leather combinations are very rare in standard boutique production. Many custom Birkins and Hermès special-order bags are recognizable at a glance due to their color combinations, which only adds to their mystique and desirability.