The Collectors: Nacho Polo and Robert Onuska
The StudioTwentySeven founders have acquired an enviable trove of Birkin and Kelly handbags by Hermès
In their pursuit of rarefied works that dance between fashion and
collectible design, StudioTwentySeven founders Nacho Polo and Robert
Onuska have acquired an enviable trove of Birkin and Kelly handbags
by Hermès. What began with a single purchase in April 2021 has blossomed
into a focused obsession that reflects the debonair couple’s curatorial
sense and flair for twinning. “I consider Hermès bags pieces of art,” says Polo,
who has cultivated an excellent eye from years assembling an estimable
collection of paintings and sculptures alongside Onuska. “They’re
hand-constructed by a single artisan and take up to 18 hours to complete.”
Personal preference: Although they both like an Hermès Birkin 40 and HAC
50, Polo prefers wearing the smaller Birkin 25, while Onuska favors larger
examples, such as the Kelly Maxi 42, which is more suited to travel. “I’m
attracted to a variety of sizes and models of Retourne and Sellier,” says Polo.
“Although we always dress alike, accessories mark the difference between us.”
Shopping trips: “We’re very loyal to Madison Avenue, but we also purchase
at Hermès Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. We always look at Christie’s and
Sotheby’s for inspiration,” Polo says.
Closet gallery: “We live between New York and Miami and display the bags
between the dressing rooms in both our homes. We’re working on new
custom cabinets designed by Parisian artist Benjamin Foucaud, whom we
represent, to display our collections.”
A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2025 Late Fall Issue under the headline “The Collectors.” Subscribe to the magazine.