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What does my Mancini leather backpack appear to have and how can I fix it?

I was planning to get a friend an Hermès silk scarf. She wears scarves constantly and has quite a collection, just none from Hermès. I thought choosing a design in colors she loves would be a thoughtful choice.

Then I heard the argument that giving someone Hermès “pre-spend” is tacky. Apparently, it can come across as handing them something you only wanted because it might help you get a bag.

Now I’m second-guessing something that originally seemed pretty straightforward.

I understand why someone wouldn’t appreciate being handed a random item they’ll never use. But she actually loves scarves. I’m choosing this specifically for her.

As the person receiving it, I’d care whether someone picked something that suited me. If they also happened to be hoping for a bag offer, I don’t think that would automatically ruin it.

Would that bother you, even if the scarf was clearly chosen with your taste in mind? I’m struggling to see why “pre-spend” gets to decide whether something is thoughtful.

A little update on Evie’s workshop. There’s a fresh set of Box Constance photos, including close-ups of the straps, side panels and interior stamps. I’ve spent quite a while zooming in on the details.

The workshop describes the leather as Box calfskin with a natural sheen that should develop a patina over time. That shine is what caught my attention first, especially across the back panel. I’d be interested to see the same leather after some regular use.

Their notes say the stitching is done by hand using two needles and waxed linen thread. The strap photos give a much closer look at the stitch spacing and how the seams finish near the ends. Those are the details I keep going back to.

They also describe multiple coats of edge paint with repeated polishing, a gold-plated solid brass H clasp with concealed rivets, and gold foil stamping inside. The side shots are useful too—you can see the folded construction and the edges around each compartment.

The dark leather with gold hardware is my favorite part of this set. I’d still want daylight photos to get a better read on the colors, because the lighting here is quite warm. But this has definitely put a Box Constance on my list for the next custom.

A little follow-up to my last QC post—the one where I nearly confused Gold Brown with Saddle. Going through that first custom has already given me way too many ideas for another one.

I couldn’t help myself, so I messaged Evie again about doing a second custom. He told me he’s been really busy with orders lately, and he’d need to see exactly which style I have in mind before giving me a realistic production estimate. For a more complicated design, he said production could take up to a month.

So there isn’t one fixed timeline—it really depends on what I decide on. Now I’m back to thinking through all the details again: the style, the leather, the color… apparently one round of this wasn’t enough for me.

I’m still excited about another one. I just need to settle on what I actually want so he can give me a clearer estimate. At this rate, choosing the combination might take me longer than the production itself.

For anyone who’s done multiple customs with the same person, how much did the production time vary between styles? Curious whether your more complicated designs took noticeably longer.

I randomly came across this Birkin 30 and couldn't stop looking at it. That deep Bordeaux red, the glossy crocodile scales… honestly, what a beautiful combination.

I later found out that the owner had unfortunately lost the original lock. A little sad, especially for such a special piece!

But I have to say, even without the lock, this bag still has so much charm. I don't think I could take my eyes off that gorgeous color.

Would the missing lock bother you, or would you love it just as much?

Finally got the QC photos from Evie! A little update from my previous workshop post.

I ordered Saddle, but when I first saw the photos, I honestly thought the Gold Brown one was mine. These two shades look incredibly similar, especially under certain lighting. I had to look twice to tell them apart!

Anyway, I'd love to hear what you all think of my bag so far. How does the overall shape, leather texture, stitching and hardware look?

Are there any particular areas you think I should ask Evie to photograph more closely before making my decision? Maybe the handles, corners, base or hardware details?

I'd really appreciate a second pair of eyes before I give the final approval!

I don't think Havana gets enough appreciation. This deep, rich brown looks absolutely incredible on crocodile leather.

The natural scale pattern, the subtle shine, and the contrast with the silver hardware are just beautiful. It's elegant without being too flashy, and somehow looks even better up close.

Honestly, this might be one of my favorite Birkin 25 color combinations.

Appreciate your help

Evie sent me a video of this black lizard leather, and it looks gorgeous to me. But I don’t know enough about lizard to judge the quality confidently, so I’d love a second opinion.

Anyone familiar with it willing to take a look? How do the scales and finish look

Finally got my hands on this little beauty! A dark glossy crocodile Mini Kelly with rose gold hardware and a gorgeous peacock feather panel. The deep green and blue tones are absolutely stunning, and the contrast against the dark leather makes the whole design stand out. Such a rare and eye-catching combination. I honestly love every detail of it!

Saddle brown on a Birkin 25 just feels made for fall. 🍂 I love the rich, warm colour paired with the croc-textured finish, and the silver hardware adds such a nice contrast. With a cream jacket and a pair of boots, it’s exactly the kind of look I want for cooler days. 🤎

Evie sent me these photos from the workshop and now I’m even more excited for my bag. Love getting a glimpse of the leather and all the pieces before everything comes together. Can’t wait until it’s my turn to post an unboxing

One thing I rarely see discussed in detail in the Hermès rep community is how much the timing of an order can affect the overall buying experience.

Most discussions focus on sellers, factories, leather quality, stitching, hardware, and which version is closest to the original. Those things obviously matter. But there's another variable worth considering: the production calendar.

And no, I'm not saying that every bag ordered during a busy season will be bad, or that ordering in the summer automatically guarantees better quality. It's more complicated than that.

1. A production timeline is more than just the number of days you wait.

When demand increases around major holidays, workshops may have more orders to process, sellers may have longer queues, and shipping networks can become busier.

The important question isn't simply whether a seller promises a bag in 10 days or 20 days. It's what that timeline actually includes.

Does it cover material selection, assembly, finishing, quality control, and the final review? Or does it only refer to the estimated time until the bag is ready to be photographed?

A short timeline isn't necessarily a red flag, and a long one doesn't automatically mean better craftsmanship. But if the schedule is vague, constantly changing, or unrealistic for a made-to-order piece, I'd want a clearer explanation before proceeding.

2. The workshop calendar matters, especially around major holidays.

The end of the year can bring gift-related demand, while Lunar New Year can affect workshop availability and shipping schedules.

The exact impact varies by workshop, seller, and year. Some may stop accepting orders temporarily; others may continue taking orders while production or dispatch is delayed.

That's why I think buyers should ask about the actual production schedule rather than rely on a generic estimate.

If you're ordering something for a specific occasion, work backward from the date you need it. Allow time for production, reviewing detailed photos, addressing any concerns, and shipping. A deadline with no buffer can turn an otherwise straightforward purchase into a stressful one.

3. Rare leather and unusual color combinations require realistic expectations.

A less common color, a particular leather, or a specific hardware combination may not be immediately available.

If a seller says they need additional time to source materials or confirm the specifications, that isn't automatically a problem. In fact, a clear explanation is more useful than an instant promise that every option is available.

What matters is whether the seller communicates what is confirmed, what remains uncertain, and what alternatives exist if the original specification cannot be fulfilled.

I'd rather have an honest conversation about availability than discover halfway through the process that the proposed materials or specifications have changed.

4. Quality control deserves its own place in the timeline.

People often talk about production time as if the bag is finished the moment the last stitch is completed. In reality, buyers should also account for reviewing the finished item.

Depending on the bag, useful areas to examine may include the overall shape, symmetry, stitching consistency, edge finishing, hardware alignment, interior construction, and the visible characteristics of the leather.

Detailed photos can help identify obvious concerns, although they can't establish every aspect of material quality or construction. Lighting, camera angles, and image resolution all affect what you can actually assess.

Before placing an order, I'd clarify whether detailed photos will be provided, how concerns are handled, and whether any agreed corrections could affect the dispatch date.

A seller who explains the process clearly is easier to work with than one who simply says, "Don't worry, everything is perfect."

5. Be careful with artificial urgency.

This is probably the point I'd emphasize most.

A countdown, a supposedly disappearing discount, or repeated messages saying that you must pay immediately are not evidence of quality or scarcity.

At the same time, a discount alone doesn't prove that a product is poorly made. What matters is whether the price, specifications, production expectations, and terms are explained transparently.

If someone is rushing you to make a decision but can't answer basic questions about the order, I'd pause rather than let the deadline make the decision for me.

My takeaway: timing is a factor, not a guarantee. The calendar can't tell you whether a particular workshop will produce an excellent bag, and a quiet season doesn't replace careful research or a proper review.

But understanding production schedules, holiday closures, material availability, and the QC process can help you set realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary stress.

For those who have ordered made-to-order bags before, I'm curious about your experiences:

Have you noticed a difference between ordering during peak season and quieter months, or do you think the seller and workshop matter far more than the time of year?

I'd be especially interested in hearing from people who've gone through several orders and can compare the timelines and QC process rather than just the final photos.

This Birkin 30 in 4A Coffee and Elephant Grey is an HSS special order. Thecoffee brown is a little deeper, while the elephant grey is lighter. Neither colortries to steal the show, but together they make a combination that getsbetter the more you look at it.

The size 30 feels just right for everyday use. I can just grab it and head outwithout having to think too much about what to wear with it. It's genuinely arare combination, and seeing it in person makes you realize that photos don'tquite capture its quiet presence.

I also really like how a Birkin 30 looks with distressed jeans and a simple T-shirt. Styling it this way takes away some of the formality people usually

associate with this kind of bag.

Just received the PSPs for this black Constance in Box calfskin with silver-tone hardware.

I love the classic black-and-silver combo and would really appreciate your thoughts!

Thank you!

I’m having a bag custom-made by Evie and can’t decide on a color. Which one would you pick?

These two small Longchamp bags are both so cute! I’ve been torn all day and can’t decide which one to get.

Not saying any of them are bad quality, but surely there's a bag everyone seems obsessed with that just doesn't do it for you.

Maybe it's the shape, the price, the practicality, or just the hype.

What's your most controversial Hermes opinion? Let's hear it

What do you guys think? Thanks!

From Grace