

Like many other Hermès bags, the Picotin is inspired by Hermès’ equestrian roots. There is an ongoing debate among Hermès bag collectors as to whether the Hermès Kelly or the Birkin are more functional, but one thing is for sure: Hermès Kelly bags are for the luxurious sophisticate who wants to add an iconic Hermès bag to their wardrobe.ĥ | The Hermès Evelyne: Equestrian Essential Turned Luxury Bag Available in smaller, trendier sizes, like the Kelly 15 and the Kelly 20, this Hermès bag comes in medium sizes, such as the Kelly 35, and large sizes, like the Kelly 50. A Retourne is created using softer leathers, giving it a more casual look, and allowing it to fit slightly more than a Sellier. A Sellier is a more structured, rigid bag thanks to the hard leathers artisans use to craft this Hermès purse. The differences are the stitching and the edges: a Kelly Sellier has visible stitching and a pointy edge, while the stitching on the Hermès Kelly Retourne is not visible and its edges are soft. The Hermès Kelly bag comes in two styles: Kelly Sellier and Kelly Retourne. The Princess of Monaco is credited with popularizing this particular Hermès bag, so much so that it was officially renamed for her in 1977. Frequently described as the Birkin’s older sister, and originally named Sac-à-Dépêches, this Hermès Kelly bag was a favorite of actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly, who used it to hide her pregnancy from paparazzi.

The oldest and most classic Hermès bag is the Kelly. Therefore, a Birkin bag is best suited for those looking for a timeless Hermès bag for all occasions.Ģ | The Hermès Kelly Bag: Sophisticated Classic Regardless, purchasing an Hermès Birkin bag – new or preowned– can be a substantial financial investment. Resale platforms are disrupting this process by making Birkins more accessible to the public. As a result, finding a freshly-minted Birkin requires considerable time, patience, and flexibility. Hermès stores are only allowed to buy a select number of Birkin bags bi-annually and the styles of Birkin are rarely known before their delivery to the boutique. The Birkin has been a highly coveted bag since the late 1980s, thanks to its timeless design, popularity among A-listers, and limited availability.

Even at its smallest, the Birkin 25 can fit all your necessities including phone, wallet, sunglasses, and keys. The four most popular sizes of Birkin are the Birkin 25, Birkin 30, Birkin 35, and Birkin 40 (the original size). The Birkin was conceived by the starlet and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on an Air France flight where Jane urged him to create a Hermès bag with greater functionality. Named after actress and “it girl” Jane Birkin, this timeless Hermès bag comes in many color ways, materials, and sizes. The most coveted Hermès bag is the iconic Birkin bag.
