The Birkin 35 Special Order (HSS) in Braise & Black Lisse Porosus Crocodile with Gold Hardware



The Hermès HSS Birkin 35 in Braise and Black shiny Porosus crocodile is a prime example of the maison's most exclusive offering: the Special Order program. This configuration, with its bold, dramatic color-blocking and the most prestigious of exotic leathers, represents a pinnacle of collectible luxury .

The Special Order (HSS) Designation

The "HSS" designation, marked by the coveted horseshoe stamp to the left of the Hermès logo, signifies that this Birkin is a Special Order piece . This privilege is extended only to the maison's most elite and loyal clientele. A bag like this is not simply purchased; it is a bespoke creation commissioned by a select few, making each one a unique piece that will rarely, if ever, be replicated . The program gives the collector the power to choose their own color combinations, leathers, and hardware finishes, placing them in an upper echelon of collectors .

A Dramatic Bi-Color Palette: Braise and Black

The name "Braise" is a rich, deep red, akin to a lipstick or ruby red, sometimes described as a "Braise red" . In this HSS configuration, it is masterfully paired with black. This specific color-blocking arrangement, as documented in examples, typically features the vibrant Braise on the body, base, and flap, while the black is reserved for the handles, sangles, sides, clochette, lock, and piping . The striking combination of lipstick red and jet black evokes the dramatic allure of the theater, creating a bold, timeless statement . This is an exquisite color palette that few collectors will ever have the chance to commission.

The Pinnacle of Exotics: Shiny Porosus Crocodile

The bag is crafted from shiny Porosus crocodile, identified by the circumflex symbol (^) next to the logo, and is lauded as the most sought-after leather one can find . Sourced from the Indo-Pacific crocodile, it is prized for its small, uniform, and symmetrical scale pattern, which provides a highly refined and luxurious texture . The "Lisse" or shiny finish, achieved through a hand-buffing process, intensifies the leather's color, giving the Braise and Black a deep, mesmerizing, and almost luminous gloss . The exotic nature of this material makes the bag an increasingly scarce and desirable work of art .

Gold Hardware: The Warm Complement

The final touch that completes this exceptional composition is the Gold Hardware (GHW). The warm, 18k gold-plated metal provides a stunning contrast to the cool-toned Braise red and jet black of the Porosus crocodile, adding a layer of classic, old-world opulence that is both timeless and regal.

Specifications and Interior

The interior is lined in black Chevre (goatskin) leather, a luxurious and durable finish that complements the exterior's dramatic theme . The Birkin 35 measures approximately 35 x 28 x 18 cm (14" x 11" x 7"), a classic and practical size . Examples are often found in impeccable, like-new condition, with the hardware still protected by its original plastic coverings, including the lock, keys, clochette, sleeper, and signature box .

Rarity and Investment Value

As a Special Order in Porosus Crocodile, this bag is at the very zenith of the Hermès collectibles market. Its value is driven by its extreme scarcity, the technical mastery of its construction, and the dramatic, high-contrast beauty of its design. Auctions and sales of such a piece command a premium. A similar HSS Birkin 35 in this exact colorway is listed for $125,675** . Another example, in "overall excellent, like-new condition," was offered with an auction estimate of **$100,000-$110,000** . The desirability of this combination is also underscored by the fact that a 2007 version of a Braise and Black shiny Porosus crocodile Birkin in Palladium hardware, while a different metal, still commanded a price of **$53,000 .

The Birkin 35 Special Order (HSS) in Braise & Black Lisse Porosus Crocodile with Gold Hardware is a masterpiece of the craft. It represents the absolute best of Hermès—a bold vision, meticulously executed in the rarest materials, and bearing the hallmarks of an exclusive commission .

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