Hermès Leather Goods Sales Hit All-Time High Despite $1.8 Million In Counterfeit Bags Seized By U.S. Officials

Last month, MStars News reported that U.S. officials seized $1.8 million worth of counterfeit Hermès bags. But that seemingly large counterfeiting problem doesn't seem to have done much damage to the French luxury heritage brand's own handbag business, as sales have been steadily increasing.

According to Fashionista, Hermès said Thursday, Nov. 13, that revenue increased by a healthy 11 percent to 990.6 million euros — $1.2 billion — in the third quarter of 2014, and much of that was thanks to demand for the brand's French-made, high-end leather goods. That category grew 15 percent. Ready-to-wear also fared pretty well, growing 13 percent over the quarter, underlining what we knew: Recently departed Creative Director Christophe Lemaire has left some pretty big shoes to fill.

Regionally, demand in Japan and the U.S. was high: Sales went up 13 percent and 14 percent in those countries. In Europe, sales only grew 7 percent, due to the challenging economic climate there, which most other luxury brands have also experienced in recent months, except Michael Kors.

Kim Kardashian was recently spotted with hubby Kanye West toting a Hermès bag with some creative artwork painted on it, created by none other then her adorable daughter North West. Kardashian posted a photo of her new bag on Instagram, saying, "Me & my bae out today. Wearing my favorite bags painted by little North."

Check out the photo below:

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Nov 11, 2014 at 2:51pm PST

Readers: What do you make of the situation? Comment below!

Check out more MStars News below:

Kim Kardashian Shows Off Hermès Bag Painted By Daughter North West! [PHOTOS]

U.S. Authorities Seize $1.8M in Counterfeit Hermès Bags

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