This is perfect way to sustainably update your Hermès bag, consider having an artist take a brush or needle and thread to them. Or have a look at the amazing work of Hong Kong based designer Jonathan Riss who has a passion of giving iconic bags a second life. His brand Jay Ahr (phonetic spelling of his initials) takes luxury bags to the next level.
Jonathan Riss with one of his works @jay_ahr_
« 1969 » Vintage Hermès Kelly bag, size 28
An array of pristine condition pre-loved Hermès bags presents the perfect canvas for this ancient yet modern artwork making every piece sustainable in product and process with a story to tell. Custom embroideries are layered and interwoven into each bag, with the art piece looking like they were part of the original leather design. Riss and his team deconstruct every bag before sending each separate piece of leather to the embroiderers. Once they are finished, the bag is sewn back together using the original yarn.
This vintage Hermès Birkin bag with Shunga embroidery was especially created on behalf of Maxfield LA’s 50th anniversary. Available for $55.000. To shop, click here.
There are so many amazing pieces, see below for more:
Bandana Brown – Hermes Birkin 35
This bag is a vintage Hermès Birkin 35 in brown epsom leather first produced in 1999. The stamped- grain lightweight leather gives a structured relaxed contour. Featuring round top handles and a fold-over top with twist-lock closure.
Detailed with palladium hardware it comes with a detachable clochette with two encased keys and a padlock. From the Sanskrit word for «a bond», the bandana is inspired by the colourful Indian kerchiefs. The Bandana collection is paired with Jay Ahr’s tongue-in-cheek twist on the Hermès Twilly, in a matching bandana pattern.
$38.500 – To shop, click here.
Thangka Snake – Act 2 – Hermes Constance 24
A vintage Hermès Constance 24 in black box calf leather with gold plated metal hardware. The smooth box calf leather gives a glossy finish yet firm hold creating the bag’s structural lines. The bag features a versatile two-way shoulder strap and gilded ‘H’ front clasp closure.
Using this vintage Constance as a canvas, Jay Ahr presents a special interpretation of the Thangka, a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton or silk appliqué. The central motif features an embroidered interpretation of the snake depicted in the Raktayamari Thangka, one of the world’s great textile treasures. One of the major landmarks of early Ming dynasty textile arts, the eight snakes represent the subjugation of various obstacles and the accomplishment of skillful activities.
US$28,600 – To shop, click here.
Welcome to the Jungle Hermès Birkin 35
This bag is a vintage Hermès Birkin 35 in white canvas with a green trim first produced in 1996. Featuring round top handles and a fold-over top with twist-lock closure. Detailed with palladium hardware it comes with a detachable clochette with two encased keys and a padlock.
On this seemingly light hearted beauty the exotic green plays host to the lyrics of Guns & Roses’ «Welcome to the Jungle». Shrouded by Jungle palm leaves creating a sense of mystery and voyeurism. The song exposes the dark side of Los Angeles many people encounter when they go there to pursue fame. The embroidered print is not contained to the canvas but carried across the bag onto the soft Ebène calf leather hiding the underworld conveyed by the song.
$38.500 – To shop, click here.
Nessun Dorma – Hermès Kelly Sellier 28
This bag is a vintage Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 first produced in 1973. Detailed with palladium plated hardware it comes with a detachable clochette with two encased keys and a padlock. The bag stands tall on protective feet and is carried by a single padded top handle.
Marrying musical classics with vintage classics Jay Ahr has woven the lyrics to operas, ballads and anthems. This piece is an ode to the Italian Opera. The lyrics to «Nessun Dorma» (None shall sleep), an aria from the final act of Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot – one of the best known tenor arias in opera – grace this stunning and rare Kelly, in an embroidered interpretation of wood block stamping.
$35.200 – To shop, click here.
Aren’t those bags so beautiful, when fashion meets art … masterpieces can be created.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Jay Ahr and via Marie Van Damme
DISCLOSURE: This post DOES NOT include affiliate links and is not sponsored. I am just a fan of the products.
A great example for a super informative masterclass for Net-à-Porter’s EIP clients last June.
One of my favorite watches that I got at Net-à-Porter: 
With Alison Loehnis at a Net-à-Porter event
Bovet’s limited-edition Dimier Recital 27 Green that will launch at Mr Porter.
Another beauty in my closet shopped at Net-à-Porter: 
Collier de Chien bracelets in Bleu Eagle and Jaune Soleil
Evelyn bracelets in five colors