The Hermès Birkin 35 in Fauve Matte Alligator is a rare and prestigious example of the house’s mastery over exotic skins, combining a soft, velvety texture with a heritage-inspired neutral tone. This specific model is highly valued by collectors for its understated elegance and the unique way the matte finish absorbs the rich, warm brown pigment.
Core Design & Material
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Leather: Crafted from Matte Alligator Mississippiensis, sourced from the southern United States. This skin is distinguished by its larger, non-uniform scales (plates) compared to crocodile, and its lack of visible pores, giving the bag a cleaner and more uniform appearance.
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Finish: The Matte texture is achieved through repeated rubbing with wool felt, resulting in a soft, velvety surface that subtly hides small scratches and water spots.
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Color: Fauve is a signature Hermès “heritage” brown that mimics the natural color of tanned hides. It is a warm, honey-toned neutral with golden undertones.
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Hardware: This specific iteration is finished with Palladium-plated (silver-tone) hardware, including the turn-lock, Clou (feet), and iconic lock and keys.
Specifications & Organization
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Dimensions: Measures approximately 35 cm L x 28 cm H x 18 cm D (roughly 14″ x 11″ x 7″).
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Interior: Lined in tonal Chèvre (goatskin) leather, featuring one zippered interior pocket and one flat patch pocket.
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Authenticity Marker: Features a small square (□) symbol adjacent to the “Hermès Paris” logo stamp, which identifies the skin as Alligator.
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Inclusions: Typically sold with a clochette, lock, two keys, felt cloth, rain protector, and a specialized CITES certificate required for international travel with exotic skins.
