The Timeless Allure of Hermes Kelly and Birkin Bags

The Kelly bag was the predecessor to the Birkin. At the time, these ultimate bags were available only to the very elite due to their price and the general inaccessibility of haute couture to ordinary people. Launched in 1935 and initially called Sac à dépêches, it was later renamed the Kelly bag.

The Birth of the Kelly Bag

The renaming of the bag occurred after Grace Kelly, one of the most beautiful and elegant actresses of the time and the princess of Monaco, was photographed on a magazine cover hiding her pregnancy under a Hermes bag. This iconic image, along with other photographs of her with the handbag, cemented its place in fashion history.

Design and Craftsmanship

The Kelly bag comes in several sizes and materials. Collectors can purchase an original Kelly bag for between $3,000 and $6,000. Each bag takes 18 hours to make, with the leather often being ironed for perfection. Every bag is crafted by a single artisan, with more experienced craftsmen working on sophisticated and exotic leathers. Naturally, these bags are made in France.

Identifying Authentic Kelly Bags

To verify the authenticity of a Hermes Kelly bag, look for features such as the straps on the clasp, the padlock, and the small leather piece that hides the key. The bag has one handle and an optional shoulder strap. The original sizes are 32 cm (12.6 inches) and 28 cm (11 inches). The mini Kelly bag was introduced in 1968, and a larger 40 cm (15.7 inches) version was made in 1980.

The Birkin Bag History

The story of the Birkin bag is different. Named after the famous French actress Jane Birkin, it was co-created by her and the Hermes brand. In 1981, Jane Birkin was traveling on the same plane as Jean-Louis Dumas, the then-president of Hermes. She spilled the contents of her Kelly bag and remarked that it was too small and impractical, leading to the idea for the Birkin bag. The purse was made within three years and quickly gained a cult-like status. Ironically, Jane Birkin rarely used her namesake bag due to health problems.

Birkin Bag Features

Birkin bags come in sizes of 30 cm (11.8 inches), 35 cm (13.8 inches), 40 cm (15.7 inches), and 50 cm (19.7 inches). Larger than the Kelly, the Birkin is known for its brighter colors. It is considered less formal and has two handles, with metallic details covered in gold or palladium. Despite the waiting list, it remains one of the most coveted purses today. Some buyers have found ways to bypass the wait, with Michael Tonello detailing such strategies in his book. He advises dressing appropriately, buying other Hermes products, and then inquiring about the Birkin bag, claiming a 99 percent success rate.

Birkin and Kelly in Popular Culture

The Birkin bag was already popular among the elite and fashion experts before becoming widely known through features on TV shows like Sex and The City. Its popularity has led to numerous counterfeit versions. Authentic Birkin bags typically cost between $9,000 and $150,000, so a bag priced at a few hundred dollars is undoubtedly a knockoff.

Hermes Beyond Handbags

Hermes is known for more than just leather purses. Their perfect silk scarves, another luxury product from this chic French label, are also highly coveted and available through their online store.