Observations from Paris

I just came back from Paris. I stopped at 4 Hermes stores along the way and thought I'd share some observations in case they can help somebody. I'll start by saying I applied everyday for a leather appointment and never got one.

Stop one: Hermes in the SFO airport: I bought a pair of shoes that I had never seen before online or in my home store (IDOLE SANDAL in Gris Argenté Vieilli). Cute, but super spendy at $1900. It was interesting to see the different stock. The SA said it was from last year, but I still see it online in Europe in some cities. Anywho, asked for a Picotin and she said there were none. Very nice experience overall.

Stop two: FSH. I was so excited to visit the mothership. Unfortunately it seemed disorganized and sad. I visited around 4:00 p.m. and it felt like Disneyland at the end of a long summer day. The SAs couldn't be bothered. A few women sat sulking in corners having tea, and the place looked ransacked. I speak French and English so I asked to see a dress in French and another size. The SA could not have been less interested in helping me. I left quickly and bought nothing.

Stop three: Sevres. This store was very beautiful and elegant. It was bustling but felt organized. I immediately found the dress I was looking for and an SA offered to help me. She brought different sizes and types and gave advice on which one worked best. I was pressed for time so I bought it quickly. She shared her card and I told her I would text her next time I was in town. I didn't ask about bags and didn't ask for any leather appointment cancellations. Seemed unlikely and I had to go back to work anyway.

Stop four: CDG airport. This was by far the best experience. The SA was super attentive from the beginning and very complimentary of my French, especially for an American. I tried on multiple pairs of shoes and scarves. I ended up buying some Chypres and a triangle scarf that I don't think they have in my home store. He asked me if he could help me with anything else and I asked if they had Picotins. He said he would look. He came back with a mini Evelyne in bleu pale. I thought I didn't like Evelynes because of the big H, but the color was too beautiful to pass up so I took it. I wore it yesterday with the h towards my body and I thought it looked super elegant.

Bonne chance to anyone headed to Paris!