The Hermès Birkin 35 HSS Cyclamen & Iris Chèvre Goatskin with Brushed Palladium Hardware



The Hermès Birkin 35 Special Order in Cyclamen and Iris Chèvre goatskin with brushed palladium hardware is a masterful study in contrasts—a bold, vibrant pink meeting a sophisticated, deep purple. As a Special Order (HSS) piece in Chèvre leather, this bag represents a confluence of color rarity, material desirability, and elite client status.

The Special Order (HSS) Status

The horseshoe stamp on this bag marks it as a Special Order, an exclusive privilege reserved for Hermès' most loyal clients . The HSS status commands a significant premium on the resale market, as it represents a level of access and personalization unavailable to the general public .

The bi-color "Multico" configuration is the hallmark of this bag—a striking pairing where the primary color is used for the front, back, and bottom of the bag, while the secondary color appears on the sangles, handles, shoulder strap, sides, and piping . This dramatic contrast creates a bold, theatrical aesthetic that transforms the classic Birkin into a collector's statement piece. As of 2024, Hermès no longer offers tri-color combinations, making well-executed bi-color HSS bags like this one particularly desirable .

The Material: Chèvre Goatskin

Chèvre goatskin is one of the most prized leathers in the Hermès Special Order program . Its key characteristics include:

  • Distinctive Grain: Chèvre has a visible, fine grain with a slight sheen that gives the bag a subtle luminosity 

  • Lightweight: Despite its durability, Chèvre is notably light, making the Birkin 35 more comfortable for daily use 

  • Color Depth: The material absorbs color beautifully, and as collector accounts note, colors in Chèvre can appear slightly lighter and with a "smidgen of shine" compared to other leathers 

The interior of this bag would be lined with Iris Chèvre leather, following the Special Order standard where the interior matches the secondary color .

The Color Combination: Cyclamen & Iris

Cyclamen

Cyclamen is a vibrant, complex pink-purple that has been described by collectors as "a very popular, beautiful color" . It occupies a unique space in the Hermès color palette—neither purely pink nor purely purple. Collector discussions note that Cyclamen appears "more pink in Epsom and more purple in Chèvre," giving this material combination particular nuance . Its versatility is noteworthy; collectors have observed how well it pairs with navy, brown, and fall colors, making it more wearable than its boldness might suggest .

Iris

Iris is a deep, sophisticated purple that provides the perfect counterpoint to the vibrancy of Cyclamen. As a secondary color on the sangles, handles, and piping, Iris grounds the bold pink, adding structure and depth to the overall design. A Birkin 35 in Iris Togo leather with palladium hardware was documented at auction in 2010, confirming the color's presence in Hermès' production history .

The combination of Cyclamen and Iris creates a tonal purple-pink palette that is both dramatic and harmoniously considered—a true "Multico" design that demonstrates the client's sophisticated eye .

The Hardware: Brushed Palladium

The brushed palladium hardware is a defining feature of this HSS bag. Unlike standard polished palladium, brushed palladium is exclusively available on Special Order bags and cannot be found on standard production pieces .

Key characteristics include:

  • Satin, Matte Finish: Brushed palladium has a muted, modern look that diffuses light rather than reflecting it 

  • Durability: The brushed finish is prized for its resistance to fingerprints and hairline scratches 

  • Collector Appeal: This hardware specification is a clear indicator of Special Order status 

The cool silver tone of the brushed palladium perfectly complements the purple-pink palette of the Cyclamen and Iris leather.

The Birkin 35 Format

The Birkin 35 is the original and most classic format, introduced in the 1980s for Jane Birkin as a practical, everyday carryall. The key specifications are approximately 35 x 27 x 18 cm .

This size offers ample capacity for daily essentials while maintaining the iconic silhouette. A full Chèvre Birkin 35 with palladium hardware (2003) realized HKD 81,900 at auction, demonstrating the sustained demand for this leather and hardware combination .

Rarity and Collector Appeal

This bag combines multiple layers of rarity:

  1. HSS Status: The horseshoe stamp signals exclusive client status and commands a premium 

  2. Bi-Color Exotic Palette: The Cyclamen and Iris combination is a rare and bold Multico configuration 

  3. Brushed Palladium: This exclusive hardware finish is available only on Special Orders 

  4. Chèvre Leather: A highly desirable material with distinct grain and color properties 

Bi-color Birkins with brushed hardware have performed strongly at auction. A 2014 Bleu Izmir and Anemone Togo Birkin 35 with brushed palladium was estimated at HKD 50,000-80,000 at Sotheby's . A 2012 Rose Pourpre and Etain Togo Birkin 35 with brushed palladium was also estimated at HKD 50,000-80,000 . A special order Etoupe, Tosca & Iris Epsom Birkin 35 with brushed palladium from 2011 realized EUR 9,450 at Christie's .

What's Included

A complete example of this bag typically includes:

  • Clochette with lock and two keys

  • Dust bag

  • Felt protector

  • Care booklet

  • Signature Hermès box

Conclusion

The Hermès Birkin 35 HSS Cyclamen & Iris Chèvre goatskin with brushed palladium hardware is a masterpiece of personalized luxury. Its vibrant, complex color palette showcases the depth and nuance of Chèvre leather, while the exclusive brushed palladium hardware marks it as a Special Order of distinction. For the discerning collector, it represents both the rarity and the personal expression that define the pinnacle of Hermès craftsmanship.

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