Balenciaga Hardware 101

I have recently done some research on Balenciaga, because this is a long-coveted brand by many handbag lovers. In the meantime, when I decided to take some pics of Balenciaga bags I got, I discovered an eternal truth:

The difference between a professional photographer and an amateur is that a pro always has a team behind to help him with lighting and positioning and taking care of his mess, but an amateur has to do all these things on his own.

Don't you believe that? I have proof here:

OK, go ahead if you want a good laugh. I officially hate photo-shooting, which means I may get mad at you when you are going to ask for preshipment pics. Don't even try!

Enough for the warm-up. I am going to share with you some really important information I obtained from the almighty Internet:

The abbreviations below are some of the common terminologies used by shoppers/boutiques and it'll be really useful to memorize them. People in the fashion forums and blogs also use this a lot. 

 Here are examples with an illustration:

    Flat brass hardware (2000-2002)                                  Pewter classic hardware (2003-2004)

The flat brass hardware was the type of hardware produced in this motorcycle line.

Aged brass hardware (2004)

Also called as RH or regular hardware. This is the only classic hardware that is still produced nowadays. The hardware is made of aged brass which has been oxidized in color, but over time it will wear off and show the true brass color (right picture).

Giant gold hardware and Giant silver hardware (2007)

Also known as GSH or GGH or Giant 21. Bigger than regular hardware and thus make the bag much heavier. In the new Spring/Summer 2012 collection Giant silver and Giant rose gold have been discontinued and replaced with the new "Mini" giant hardware or Giant 12.

Giant gunmetal hardware (2007)

Giant gunmetal hardware was produced only for 2007 limited edition bags. 

Classic covered hardware and Giant covered hardware (Fall/Winter 2008)

The classic covered hardware looks like regular hardware, but with a layer of matching leather over it. Only produced in Fall 2008 and discontinued not long after. Also covered with a layer of matching leather, the Giant covered hardware comes with perforated trim along the bag. It's still in production now.

Giant rose gold hard (2010)

Light pink gold hardware with a vintage look, achieved by darkening the grooves of the thimbles. In the early production, the zippers are not darkened so they are still in light pink gold color. But since Fall/Winter 2012 the zippers are also darkened to get the "aged" look. Now it's replaced by "Mini" giant rose gold hardware.

Classic hardware in nickel and gold (2010)

Produced to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the classic bag. Also used on various other styles such as animal print (right pic).

Giant covered hardware with "Brogues" trim (2011)

This is supposed to be the replacement of Giant covered hardware (right picture) because of its lack of popularity. The giant hardware is smaller in size and the perforations are larger, with a contrasting color underneath.

Mini rose gold and silver giant hardware (2012)

Since Spring/Summer 2012, Balenciaga replaces all its bags from using Giant hardware (Giant 21) to Mini Giant hardware (Giant 12). Rumours are many people complain that the Giant hardware bags are too heavy and this has prompted Balen management to resize the hardware. 

Mini giant hardware comes in two sizes: Slighty larger size for Balenciaga Day, Work, Weekender, and smaller size for Balenciaga Hip, Envelope, Mini Pompon, First, Town City, Velo, Part-time. Some said it's possible that the Giant hardware will be re-introduced as a boutique exclusive.

Giant rose gold V.S. Mini giant rose gold (Work)

Mini giant rose gold V.S.  Giant rose gold (Part-Time)

I hope I am not missing anything. You are welcome to add up in the comments, and I will re-edit the post. PS: Most of the information here is courtesy of the B-bags fanblog LoveBbags and PurseBlog.