The Differences Between Hermès Birkin and Kelly Bags

The Birkin and Kelly bags are celebrated for their exquisite craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the prestige of owning a piece of Hermès history. Despite their similarities in quality and exclusivity, these two bags exhibit distinct differences in design, functionality, and cultural impact.

The Birkin Bag

The story of the Hermès Birkin bag began in 1981 when Jane Birkin, a British actress and singer, had a fortuitous encounter with Jean-Louis Dumas, the CEO of Hermès, on a flight from Paris to London. 

During the flight, Birkin expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of a stylish yet practical handbag. This led to a collaborative effort between Birkin and Dumas, resulting in the creation of the Birkin bag, which was designed to be both spacious and elegant, catering to the needs of modern women​.

The Birkin quickly gained a reputation for its craftsmanship and exclusivity. Each bag is handmade by skilled artisans, often requiring up to 18 hours to complete. The meticulous attention to detail and the use of high-quality materials have made the Birkin bag a symbol of luxury and sophistication.

The Kelly Bag

The origins of the Hermès Kelly bag date back to the 1930s, when it was initially introduced as the "Sac à dépêches," a simple and elegant handbag designed for practical use. 

Its transformation into a fashion icon occurred in the 1950s when Grace Kelly, the American actress who became the Princess of Monaco, was photographed using the bag to shield her pregnancy from the paparazzi. This image was widely publicized, and the bag became popularly known as the "Kelly bag" in honor of the princess​.

The Kelly bag embodies the elegance and refinement associated with Grace Kelly herself. Like the Birkin, it is meticulously handcrafted by Hermès artisans, ensuring the highest quality and durability. The Kelly bag’s structured design and graceful lines have made it a timeless classic in luxury handbags.

Design and Aesthetic Differences

Shape and Structure

Birkin Bag

The Hermès Birkin bag is known for its relaxed, unstructured silhouette. This bag features a rectangular, tote-like shape with a wide opening, making it practical for everyday use. 

The design is casual and versatile, often giving off an effortless yet luxurious vibe. Its spacious interior allows for easy organization and access to personal items, which is one of the reasons why it is favored by many as an everyday handbag​.

Kelly Bag

In contrast, the Hermès Kelly bag is renowned for its structured, trapezoidal shape. This design gives it a more formal and elegant appearance than the Birkin. 

The Kelly bag's clean lines and defined curves contribute to its sophisticated aesthetic, making it suitable for formal and casual occasions. Its structured design ensures that it retains its shape over time, adding to its timeless appeal​​.

Handles and Straps

Birkin Bag

The Birkin bag features two rolled leather handles, allowing it to be carried by hand or in the crook of the arm. Unlike the Kelly bag, the Birkin does not have a shoulder strap, emphasizing its tote-like design. The dual handles make the bag easy to carry and access, enhancing its practicality​.

Kelly Bag

The Kelly bag, on the other hand, has a single top handle, a significant design difference from the Birkin. Additionally, it has a detachable shoulder strap, providing versatility in how it can be carried. 

This feature allows the bag to be worn over the shoulder or crossbody, offering a hands-free option for the wearer. The shoulder strap adds to the Kelly bag’s refined and elegant look​.

Flap and Closure

Birkin Bag

One of the distinctive features of the Birkin bag is its front flap, which can be tucked inside or left to lay casually over the front. The bag is secured with a turn lock and two straps that run across the front. 

When the two handles are carried together, they keep the bag securely closed, and separating the handles opens the bag. This design provides flexibility in the bag is use, contributing to its casual elegance​.

Kelly Bag

The Kelly bag’s front flap is always secured with a turn lock and straps, which must be fastened to close properly. This design ensures that the bag's contents are secure, but it also means that the Kelly must be opened and closed each time it is accessed, adding an element of formality to its use. The flap perfectly echoes the bag's lines, maintaining its structured and elegant appearance​.

Interior Design

Birkin Bag

Inside, the Birkin bag typically features one large patch pocket and one zip pocket, offering ample space for organizing essentials. The spacious and open interior aligns with the bag’s relaxed and practical design​​.

Kelly Bag

The Kelly bag’s interior is usually more compartmentalized, with two patches and one zip pocket. This structured interior design allows for better organization of personal items and reflects the bag’s sophisticated and formal aesthetic.

Size Variations

Birkin Bag Sizes

The Hermès Birkin bag has several sizes to accommodate different preferences and needs. The sizes are named based on the length of the bag’s base in centimeters. The most common sizes are:

• Birkin 25: Measures 25 cm across the base, and is popular for its compactness and versatility. Dimensions: 25 L x 20 H x 13 W cm (10” L x 8” H x 5” W)​.

• Birkin 30: Measures 30 cm across the base, a mid-size option suitable for daily use. Dimensions: 30 L x 22 H x 16 W cm (11.5” L x 9” H x 6” W)​.

• Birkin 35: Measures 35 cm across the base, offering more space for carrying essentials. Dimensions: 35 L x 25 H x 18 W cm (14” L x 10” H x 7” W)​.

• Birkin 40: Measures 40 cm across the base, ideal for travel or those who need a larger bag. Dimensions: 40 L x 30 H x 21 W cm (16” L x 12” H x 8” W).

In addition to these standard sizes, limited edition sizes such as 15 cm and 20 cm have also been produced, although they are less common and highly sought after.

Kelly Bag Sizes

Similar to the Birkin, the Hermès Kelly bag is available in a variety of sizes, each offering a distinct look and functionality. The sizes for the Kelly bag are:

• Kelly 20: Also known as the Mini Kelly, it measures 20 cm across the base. Dimensions: 20 L x 16 H x 10 W cm (7.8” L x 6.3” H x 4” W).

• Kelly 25: Measures 25 cm across the base, offering a compact and stylish option. Dimensions: 25 L x 19 H x 9 W cm (10” L x 7.5” H x 3.5” W).

• Kelly 28: Measures 28 cm across the base, a versatile size suitable for various occasions. Dimensions: 28 L x 22 H x 10 W cm (11” L x 8.5” H x 4” W).

• Kelly 32: Measures 32 cm across the base, providing ample space while maintaining elegance. Dimensions: 32 L x 23 H x 10.5 W cm (12.5” L x 9” H x 4” W)​.

• Kelly 35: Measures 35 cm across the base, a larger option for those needing more space. Dimensions: 35 L x 24 H x 12 W cm (14” L x 9.5” H x 4.7” W).

• Kelly 40: Measures 40 cm across the base, less common but ideal for travel. Dimensions: 40 L x 28 H x 16 W cm (15.7” L x 11” H x 6.3” W)​.

Material and Color Options

Materials

Birkin Bag

The Hermès Birkin bag is crafted from a variety of luxurious materials, each chosen for its quality and durability. The most popular leathers include:

• Togo Leather: Known for its soft texture and scratch-resistant quality, Togo leather is a favorite for its lightweight and smooth grain. It holds its shape well over time, making it a practical choice for everyday use​​.

• Clemence Leather: This leather is slightly heavier than Togo and features a larger grain, giving the bag a slouchier look. It is known for its durability and ability to maintain its color and texture over time​.

• Epsom Leather: Epsom is a stamped-grain leather that is lightweight and easy to clean. It offers a more structured look and is highly resistant to scratches, making it a practical and stylish option.

• Exotic Leathers: The Birkin is also available in exotic skins like crocodile, alligator, lizard, and ostrich. These materials add a unique and luxurious touch to the bag, often with a significantly higher price tag.

Kelly Bag

The Hermès Kelly bag is similarly crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring elegance and durability. Common materials include:

• Togo Leather: Favored for its soft texture and resilience, Togo leather is also popular for Kelly bags. It maintains its shape well, providing a structured yet flexible look​.

• Box Calf Leather: Known for its smooth finish and high-gloss appearance, Box calf leather is a classic choice for the Kelly bag. It offers a sophisticated and timeless look but is more prone to scratches than other leathers.

• Epsom Leather: Like the Birkin, the Kelly bag made from Epsom leather is lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. It retains its shape exceptionally well, making it ideal for maintaining the Kelly’s structured silhouette​.

• Exotic Leathers: The Kelly bag is also available in exotic materials such as crocodile, alligator, ostrich, and lizard. These luxurious options add a distinctive and high-end appeal to the bag.

Color Options

Birkin Bag

The Hermès Birkin bag is renowned for its wide array of color choices, catering to different tastes and styles. Some popular colors include:

• Classic Colors: Black, Etoupe (gray-brown), Gold (tan), and Blue Jean (light blue) are timeless options that remain popular year after year​.

• Seasonal Colors: Hermès frequently introduces new colors each season, ranging from vibrant hues like Orange H (a signature Hermès color) to pastel shades like Rose Sakura (pink) and neutral tones like Gris Mouette (gray)​​.

• Special Editions: Occasionally, Hermès releases limited-edition colors and special finishes, such as metallics and ombre effects, which collectors highly seek after​.

Kelly Bag

The Kelly bag also boasts a rich palette of colors, offering both classic and contemporary options:

• Classic Colors: Black, Gold, Etoupe, and Rouge H (deep red) are perennial favorites that exude elegance and versatility.

• Seasonal Colors: Like the Birkin, the Kelly is available in seasonal colors, including bright and bold shades like Vert Criquet (green) and Bleu Zanzibar (blue), as well as softer tones like Nata (cream) and Mauve Sylvestre (light purple).

• Special Editions: Hermès often creates special edition Kelly bags in unique colors and finishes, which are coveted by fashion enthusiasts and collectors alike​.

Functionality and Use

Birkin Bag

Design and Practicality

The Hermès Birkin bag is celebrated for its practicality and everyday use. Its spacious and open interior allows for easy access to personal items, making it ideal for women who carry a variety of essentials. The Birkin’s design includes a large main compartment, a zippered pocket, and a patch pocket, which help keep belongings organized​.

Carrying Options

The Birkin bag is designed with two rolled leather handles, enabling it to be carried by hand or in the crook of the arm. Unlike the Kelly, the Birkin has no shoulder strap, emphasizing its tote-like functionality. This design makes the Birkin suitable for those who prefer a handheld bag that offers quick access to their items​.

Versatility

The Birkin’s relaxed and unstructured silhouette lends itself to various settings, from casual outings to business meetings. Its ability to be both a practical and stylish accessory makes it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. The bag’s wide array of sizes and colors further enhances its adaptability to different occasions and personal styles​​.

Kelly Bag

Design and Practicality

The Hermès Kelly bag is known for its structured and elegant design, making it a staple for more formal occasions. The Kelly features a smaller, more compartmentalized interior than the Birkin, with two patches and one zip pocket. This design helps keep items organized and secure, reflecting Kelly’s sophisticated and orderly aesthetic​.

Carrying Options

The Kelly bag has a single top handle and a detachable shoulder strap, providing multiple ways to carry it. The shoulder strap allows for hands-free carrying, making the Kelly suitable for formal events and everyday use. This versatility in carrying options adds to the bag’s appeal as a practical yet elegant accessory.

Security

One of the defining features of the Kelly bag is its front flap, which must be secured with a turn lock and straps. This design ensures that the bag's contents are protected, but it also means that the Kelly must be opened and closed each time it is accessed. This security feature adds formality and intentionality to the bag’s use, aligning with its refined and polished look​.

Versatility

The Kelly bag’s structured and elegant design makes it suitable for both formal and casual settings. Its ability to transition seamlessly from day to night adds to its versatility. The Kelly’s availability in various sizes and materials allows for further customization, making it a timeless and adaptable piece in any luxury collection​.

Pricing and Value

Resale Value

The Birkin and Kelly bags have strong resale values, often selling for more than their original retail prices. This is due to their rarity, desirability, and the meticulous craftsmanship associated with Hermès.

Birkin Bag

A Birkin can fetch prices significantly higher than retail on the secondary market. For example, a Birkin 25 in a sought-after color and material can command double its retail price. Exotic materials or limited-edition pieces can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars​.

Kelly Bag

The Kelly bag also has a robust resale market. A Kelly 20, especially in popular leathers like Epsom or Togo, can sell for up to triple its retail price depending on the condition and rarity. The Kelly’s association with Grace Kelly and its timeless design contribute to its enduring value.

Investment Potential

The Birkin and Kelly bags are considered excellent investments in luxury goods. Their limited availability, high demand, and historical significance ensure they retain and often increase in value over time.

• Birkin: Known for its casual elegance and practical design, Birkin’s investment potential is enhanced by its media visibility and celebrity endorsements.

• Kelly: The Kelly’s sophisticated and formal design and its historical ties to Grace Kelly make it a coveted piece for collectors and investors alike.

Popularity and Cultural Impact

Celebrity Endorsements

Birkin Bag

The Hermès Birkin bag has become one of the world's most recognizable and coveted fashion items, largely due to its association with celebrities and high-profile individuals. 

Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, and Jane Birkin are just a few celebrities who have been seen sporting a Birkin. This visibility in the media has significantly boosted the bag's status as a symbol of wealth and sophistication.

Kelly Bag

The Kelly bag, named after the iconic Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, has a similarly illustrious history of celebrity endorsement. Grace Kelly’s use of the bag to shield her pregnancy from the paparazzi catapulted the bag to international fame. 

Today, celebrities like Catherine Zeta-Jones and Olivia Palermo continue to carry the Kelly, maintaining its reputation as a timeless elegance and grace symbol.

Media Presence

Birkin Bag

The Birkin bag’s presence in popular culture is undeniable. Its frequent appearances in movies, TV shows, and even songs cemented its place in fashion. 

One of the most notable mentions is in the TV series "Sex and the City," where the Birkin bag is depicted as the ultimate status symbol. This media exposure has helped the Birkin maintain a high desirability and prestige​.

Kelly Bag

While the Kelly bag might not have the same level of media saturation as the Birkin, it remains a highly respected and desired item. 

Its historical association with Grace Kelly and its depiction in various fashion magazines and documentaries have kept its legacy alive. The Kelly bag is often highlighted in discussions about timeless fashion and elegance, reinforcing its cultural significance.

Cultural Impact

Birkin Bag

The cultural impact of the Birkin bag extends beyond fashion. It has become a symbol of exclusivity and luxury, often discussed in terms of investment and social status. 

The long waiting lists and difficulty obtaining a Birkin bag directly from Hermès boutiques add to its allure and mystique. Owning a Birkin is not just about fashion; it’s about being part of an elite club that values craftsmanship and exclusivity.

Kelly Bag

The Kelly bag, rooted in Hollywood royalty and European elegance, carries a different but equally powerful cultural significance. It represents a blend of practicality and high fashion, appealing to those who appreciate its historical legacy and refined aesthetic. 

The Kelly bag is often seen as a more understated but equally luxurious alternative to the Birkin, appealing to a demographic that values discretion and timeless style.

Popularity Among Fashion Enthusiasts

Birkin and Kelly bags have a strong following among fashion enthusiasts and collectors. Their association with high-profile figures, historical backstories, and exceptional craftsmanship make them highly sought after in the secondary market. Their limited availability and high resale value further enhance their status as ultimate luxury items​.

 

JaneFinds is not affiliated with Hermès.