Hermès Kelly Cut So Black Box leather with Black PVD Hardware

Hermès Kelly Cut So Black Box Leather PVD Hardware

The Hermès Kelly Cut "So Black" is widely considered the crown jewel of Jean-Paul Gaultier’s tenure as Creative Director. Released in 2010 as part of his final collection, this piece reimagines the classic Kelly Cut silhouette in a monochromatic, hyper-modern aesthetic. The bag is crafted from dense, glossy Box calfskin—the maison's oldest and most traditional leather—which provides a rigid structure and a mirror-like sheen that absorbs light. The defining feature, however, is the PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coated hardware. This industrial coating turns the signature turn-lock and plaques into a matte black finish, creating a seamless, midnight-on-midnight visual that was revolutionary for the brand at the time.

As a "Stamp N" (2010) production, this piece is an original release from the specific Gaultier era, not a later reissue. Finding a So Black piece in Box leather in excellent condition is a significant challenge for collectors, as the PVD hardware is notorious for scratching, and Box leather requires careful preservation. This clutch is a piece of fashion history, bridging the gap between 19th-century saddlery and 21st-century avant-garde design.

Condition: 2 – Excellent
Collection: So Black (JPG Era)
Stamp: 2010, Stamp N Square
Model: Kelly Cut
Color: Black (So Black)
Material: Box Leather
Hardware: Black PVD
Dimensions: 31 × 13 × 2.5 cm | 12.25" W × 5" H × 1" D

JaneFinds Collector's Insight:
The "So Black" collection is one of the distinct "Holy Grails" of Hermès collecting. The packaging itself—black box, black tissue, black ribbon—was unique to this release. Because the PVD coating was delicate and prone to chipping, Hermès quickly discontinued the process, making these original 2010 examples finite and extremely rare. A Box leather version is preferred by purists over the Matte Alligator versions for its connection to the brand's heritage.

JaneFinds Market Insight:
So Black Kelly Cuts are "Blue Chip" investment assets. They trade independently of standard market fluctuations, driven entirely by their status as art pieces from a specific design epoch. An "Excellent" condition example commands a significant premium, as most extant pieces show visible wear to the hardware.

👜 JaneFinds Condition Guide
📅 Hermès Date Stamp Reference
⛓️ Accessory Chains
📐 Hermès Size Guide