Today, we’re featuring the artisanal-quality replica Hermès Kelly 25 bags that Shebag frequently produces. Made from the most iconic Epsom leather—which is also the best-selling option—these bags are currently in stock.

So, today we’ll discuss where Shebag sources its Epsom leather and what the quality is like.

It should be noted that the quality requirements for Hermès Epsom leather exceed those of Prada, and the leather supply chain for authentic Prada bags is already under strain.

The raw hides for Hermès Epsom are sourced from European alpine calfskin, a by‑product of the dairy and beef cattle industries. Ninety‑one percent of Hermès cowhide materials come from Europe, mainly around the Alpine regions including France, Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

Strict selection standards are applied to these hides. The cold climate means fewer insect bites, so the leather surface carries no brand marks, scars or puncture wounds. Hides are preferentially taken from the hindquarters of calves for dense, tight fibre structure, while flawed sections from the neck and belly are downgraded or discarded entirely.

Hermès keeps internal records of the country or region of each supplying farm, yet traceability down to individual farms is not disclosed to the public. The brand joined the Leather Working Group in 2020, aiming to achieve LWG certification across its entire supply chain.

At the core midstream stage sits Tanneries du Puy based in Chadrac, Auvergne, France. Fully acquired by Hermès in 2015, it is the sole official manufacturer of Epsom leather and holds LWG Silver certification. Founded in 1946, the tannery specialises in chrome‑tanned calfskin and hot embossing techniques. The acquisition secured stable output for flagship leathers Epsom and Box Calf, eliminating the risk of external supply disruptions.

Tanneries‑Haas took part in sample development in the early research phase, though it now belongs to the Chanel Group and no longer produces genuine Epsom. Many online sources incorrectly still list Haas as its producer, which is outdated information.

The so‑called “Epsom leather” used by Shebag comes from other European tanneries such as Germany’s Weinheimer and France’s Roux. These facilities adopt calfskin bases and replicate hot embossing alongside surface coating processes, marketing the finished material under names like Noblessa Calf and Waprolux. While it matches genuine Du Puy‑made Epsom in grain pattern, coating formula and hide compactness, it remains an embossed calfskin alternative. Though not original Hermès Epsom, it reaches a 99‑percent similarity level.

Manufacturing of authentic Epsom combines chrome‑tanned hide substrates, precision steel‑roller hot embossing and functional top coatings. Comparable to high‑quality engineered wood veneer, its grain is artificially and precisely pressed into the surface, which explains why handbags maintain sharp, rigid edges permanently.