Hermès JPG Kelly Pochette Gris Pale Veau Doblis Suede Gold Hardware

During Jean-Paul Gaultier's time at Hermès, he revolutionized the house's classic styles in many new and exciting ways. One of the most enduring of his updated designs is the Kelly Pochette, which has now been in production for close to twenty years. This extremely unusual example is done in Doblis Suede (an enduring favorite among Hermès collectors) in lovely Gris Pale topped with gleaming gold hardware. It is an exceptional piece that is both subtle and exciting.

Hermès is a luxury house known for its high level of leather craft, but one type of leather is rarely used in Hermès’ bags - suede. This fuzzy material we’re all so familiar with comes from the underside of the skin, and is softer and more flexible than the outer layer. The reason Hermès rarely makes suede handbags is durability. The natural fibers that make suede fuzzy easily hold dirt and darken, and the material overall will wear through faster than leather with heavy use. Anything that does not have reliable lifelong durability Hermès either removes from production entirely, such as python and pony hair, or elevates for use exclusively in exceptional pieces, like with silk and suede.