Joseph Duclos vs. Hermès: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Joseph Duclos is a contemporary luxury brand known for modern, minimalist designs and innovative leather craftsmanship, often at a more accessible price point. Hermès, on the other hand, is the pinnacle of heritage luxury, offering iconic, investment-grade pieces like the Birkin and Kelly bags that are known for their timeless design and high resale value.

Let's compare these two French Maisons to help you decide which brand best reflects your style and investment goals.

Joseph Duclos: The Contemporary Artisan

Joseph Duclos is redefining modern luxury with a focus on artisanal quality, unique materials, and limited-edition designs. Positioned for a discerning customer who values contemporary aesthetics and exclusivity, the brand creates handcrafted leather goods that feel both fresh and timeless. Their approach blends subtle sophistication with innovative techniques, making their pieces stand out from more recognizable legacy brands.

• Product mix: The collection centers on luxury handbags, clutches, wallets, and other small leather accessories. The defining feature is often the use of unique finishing techniques and textures that give the leather a distinctive look and feel.
• Price point: Joseph Duclos falls into the high-end luxury category but remains more accessible than heritage giants. Handbags typically range from approximately $3,000 to $8,000, depending on the material, size, and complexity of the design.
• Quality: Craftsmanship is exceptional, with a clear focus on meticulous detailing and high-quality, responsibly sourced materials. The brand is also known for its innovative eco-friendly tanning processes.
• Style & Aesthetic: The overall feel is modern minimalism. The designs are typically sleek and structured, highlighting the quality of the material rather than prominent logos or hardware. It appeals to those who appreciate a quiet, confident style.
• Sustainability: Joseph Duclos places a specific focus on responsible sourcing and eco-conscious production, which appeals to a modern consumer who values transparency and environmental ethics.

Joseph Duclos is an ideal choice for the luxury shopper seeking cutting-edge craftsmanship and a discreet, modern aesthetic that steers clear of overt branding.

Shop Joseph Duclos: josephduclos.com

Hermès: The Icon of Timeless Luxury

Established in 1837, Hermès is a worldwide symbol of achievement, exclusivity, and unparalleled craftsmanship. The brand's legacy is built on its iconic leather goods, particularly the Birkin and Kelly bags, which are not just accessories but valuable assets that often appreciate over time. An Hermès purchase is a commitment to timeless elegance, made by highly skilled artisans over many hours.

• Product mix: While famous for leather goods, Hermès also offers a wide range of luxury products, including silk scarves, ready-to-wear fashion, footwear, fragrances, and jewelry. The focus remains on heritage and longevity in every category.
• Price point: Hermès sits at the apex of the luxury market. Handbags like the Birkin and Kelly start around $10,000 and can easily exceed $50,000 for models made with exotic skins or custom details.
• Quality: The quality is considered the industry standard. Hermès uses the finest leathers in the world, such as Togo, Epsom, and Clemence, and each bag is handmade from start to finish by a single artisan. Their products are legendary for their durability.
• Style & Aesthetic: The brand embodies classic, understated elegance. The designs are intentionally timeless, avoiding fleeting trends to ensure that each piece remains stylish for generations.
• Exclusivity: The shopping experience at a brand like Hermès is famous. Purchasing a new Kelly or Birkin often requires establishing a relationship with a sales associate and can involve long waitlists or purchase history, reinforcing the brand’s desirability.

Hermès serves as the ultimate goal for collectors and shoppers who view a handbag as a long-term investment in heritage and style.

Shop Hermès: hermes.com

Joseph Duclos vs. Hermès Comparison

Price Comparison

The price difference is the most immediate distinction between the two brands. A Joseph Duclos handbag, with prices generally between $3,000 and $8,000, is a serious luxury purchase. However, it's significantly more attainable than a Hermès bag. Hermès pricing starts where Joseph Duclos leaves off and goes much higher. A standard Kelly or Birkin begins at over $10,000 and can reach six figures on the secondary market.

Hermès' pricing is not just about the cost of materials and labor, it's about scarcity, brand prestige, and a proven track record as an investment piece. Joseph Duclos offers artisanal luxury without the intense investment premium, positioning itself as a high-end accessory rather than a financial asset.

Quality & Materials

Both brands operate at an extremely high level of quality, but they showcase it differently. Hermès is renowned for its traditional approach, using leathers celebrated for their durability and classic pebbled or smooth finishes. The skill of the artisan is paramount, with every stitch done by hand to ensure perfection and longevity.

Joseph Duclos also uses exceptional leathers but focuses more on innovation and uniqueness. They experiment with textures, finishes, and eco-friendly tanning methods that give their products a distinct and modern feel. While a Joseph Duclos bag is impeccably made, the Hermès brand history and singular "one artisan, one bag" approach give it an edge in legacy craftsmanship.

Style & Aesthetic

Your choice here comes down to personal style: timeless icon or modern statement? Hermès designs are classic, structured, and instantly recognizable to those who know. They are meant to be versatile and work in a variety of contexts for decades without ever looking dated.

Joseph Duclos offers a more contemporary and minimalist aesthetic. The lines are clean, the branding is subtle - more so than Hermès - and the focus is on the unique silhouette and tactile experience of the leather. It’s luxury for someone who wants to be noticed for their taste, not for the logo they carry.

Shopping Experience

Buying from Hermès is an experience in itself. In-store, it is a highly personalized and controlled process that reinforces the brand's exclusivity. Landing one of their most sought-after bags is famously difficult and often requires a significant prior spending history with the brand.

Joseph Duclos provides a more accessible and modern luxury shopping experience. Customers can typically purchase directly through their website or from select luxury retailers without the prerequisites required by Hermès. It’s a straightforward transaction focused on the product itself.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands represent the best of French craftsmanship, but they cater to very different preferences and priorities.

Choose Joseph Duclos if:

• You appreciate modern, minimalist design with a focus on innovative textures.
• You want an exclusive, high-quality leather bag without paying the extreme premium of an investment piece.
• Your budget for a luxury handbag is in the sub-$10,000 range.
• You value a brand with a strong commitment to sustainable practices.

Choose Hermès if:

• You are buying a handbag partly as a long-term investment that can hold or increase its value.
• Your top priorities are heritage, brand prestige, and owning a globally recognized symbol of luxury.
• You prefer timeless, classic designs that will never go out of style.
• The exclusive, years-long journey to acquire a coveted bag is part of the appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hermès or Joseph Duclos more expensive?

Hermès is significantly more expensive. Its flagship handbags start at over $10,000, while Joseph Duclos handbags typically range from $3,000 to $8,000, making them a more accessible entry into high-end French luxury.

Is the quality of Joseph Duclos comparable to Hermès?

Both brands offer exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality materials. Hermès has a longer history and a legendary reputation for durability and artisanship. Joseph Duclos champions a more modern approach with innovative techniques, and its quality is outstanding, though it doesn't yet have the century-old legacy of Hermès.

Why is it so difficult to buy an Hermès Birkin or Kelly bag?

Hermès intentionally limits the production of its most iconic bags to maintain exclusivity and desirability. This scarcity, combined with immense demand, creates a system where the brand can offer bags to its most loyal clients, often requiring a history of previous purchases.

Are Joseph Duclos bags a good investment?

A Joseph Duclos bag should be considered a luxury purchase rather than a financial investment. While high-quality goods retain some value, they do not have the record of appreciation seen with Hermès. You buy it for the style and craftsmanship to enjoy for years to come.

Which brand is better for a first luxury handbag?

For a first major luxury handbag, Joseph Duclos is arguably a more practical choice. It offers a genuine high-luxury experience, beautiful craftsmanship, and unique style at a price point that is high but more attainable than a Hermès statement piece.

Does Hermès use more sustainable practices than Joseph Duclos?

Both brands have commitments to sustainability. However, as a brand built for the modern consumer, Joseph Duclos often highlights its use of innovative, eco-friendly tanning and responsible sourcing as a key part of its brand identity. Hermès follows responsible practices but within a more traditional, large-scale supply chain.

What style is each brand known for?

Hermès is known for timeless, classic elegance represented by its structured Kelly and Birkin bags. Joseph Duclos is known for its contemporary, minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes unique leather textures and clean lines.