Hermès Ghillies & Grand Mariage
Equestrian Broguing Meets Multi-Material Artistry in Hermès' Rarest Collector Editions
The Ghillies signature: scalloped leather overlays with equestrian broguing create depth and movement.
Explore Rare Hermès Editions →The Origins of the Ghillies
The Ghillies design draws inspiration from Scottish broguing, a decorative perforation technique historically found on traditional footwear worn during Highland hunting. In translating this detail to the leather panels of the Birkin and Kelly, Hermès created a whimsical yet elegant homage to both equestrian style and European sporting heritage.
First appearing in the early 2010s, the Ghillies editions quickly became a cult favorite among collectors who appreciated the intersection of function-inspired design and haute craftsmanship.
The Craftsmanship Behind Broguing
Each perforation in a Ghillies bag is individually placed by Hermès artisans, requiring extraordinary precision to maintain symmetry and spacing across curved leather panels. On a Birkin 35 or Kelly 32, this process can add 15-20 hours to the standard production time.
Production and Variations
The Ghillies line saw remarkable creative expressions across materials, sizes, and color combinations. Hermès experimented with:
Key Ghillies Material Combinations
Smooth calf leather paired with Hermès' signature striped canvas. The contrast between refined leather broguing and casual textile creates sophisticated versatility.
Soft suede overlays with brogued edges create a tactile, almost ethereal appearance. These versions are particularly delicate and require careful maintenance.
The rarest Ghillies feature exotic skin overlays. Ostrich Ghillies showcase the natural quill pattern enhanced by scalloped edges.
Kelly Ghillies in Swift + Toile de Camp—the contrast between leather and canvas creates visual intrigue.
Broguing detail on exotic leather—precision perforation along scalloped edges showcases artisan mastery.
The Grand Mariage: The Pinnacle of Rarity
Within the Ghillies family, the Grand Mariage edition represents the absolute pinnacle of rarity. These bags are crafted from a harmonious blend of three distinct materials: exotic leather, smooth calfskin (often Box or Barenia), and textile or suede.
Grand Mariage perfection: Black Alligator front panel, Barenia brogued overlays, Toile de Camp sides—a three-way marriage of Hermès' finest materials.
View Exotic Hermès Collection →Grand Mariage by the Numbers
JaneFinds Collector's Insight
For seasoned collectors, Ghillies and Grand Mariage editions sit in the same league as So Black and Himalaya creations. Their scarcity ensures that every appearance in the secondary market commands attention.
We recommend collectors prioritize condition and completeness. A Grand Mariage with full provenance can command 20-30% premiums over incomplete examples.
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