Hermès Birkin Bag Safe Once Again

Hermès has purchased d'Annonay tannery, one of its major suppliers of calf leather. Hermes already owns two tanneries in France, one in Italy and a reptile tannery in Louisiana.

"This acquisition is in line with the strategy of... preservation and development of sources of supplies and know-how related to them," Hermes said in a statement.

Rival luxury groups, like Chanel and LVMH have also been investmenting in leather workshops and artisans as well as accessories specialists to secure supplies. Luxury brands have taken control of thier whole production now - from raw material to the shop where product is sold.