What’s the difference between an Hermès Birkin and an HermèsKelly bag?
There is probably no inanimate object in this world that comes as close to legendary status within the realm of fashion as an Hermès bag. Actually, we’re referring to two handbags: the Hermès Kelly and the Hermès Birkin.
Many other purses come close (the Chanel 2.55 comes to mind), but none possess the same level of internationally-recognized social standing.
The Birkin and Kelly are also widely confused because of their similar appearance. While both are extremely coveted amongst fashionphiles, there are a few differences that give each bag its distinctive style and character, which we’ve listed in full detail below.
The Kelly:
- Is generally considered the more formal style. (Think ladies that lunch and old money – although the Kelly has recently gained some notoriety for being increasingly popular among WAGs and reality TV stars.)
- Has a single handle that seems particularly apropos hanging from the crook of the arm of a lady with perfect posture.
- Has a more structured shape than the Birkin.
- Comes in either rigide (outside stitching, more expensive) or souple (inside stitching, softer feel).
- Available in a 25cm, 28cm, 32cm or 35cm size, the most popular being the 28cm and 32cm.
- Comes with a removable shoulder strap.
- Is named after the elegant actress Grace Kelly, who, after her marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco, covered her pregnant belly from photographers with her structured, crocodile Hermès bag.
The Birkin:
- Is generally considered the more casual and younger of the two styles. (Also extremely popular amongst jetsetting celebutantes – you’ve probably seen it countless times between the covers of US Weekly.)
- Has two handles – the most obvious difference between the two – which gives it a sportier look. However, like the Kelly, the straps are short and the bag is not designed to be worn on the shoulder.
- Has a less rigid, slightly slouchier shape and a wider opening.
- Comes in a range of sizes: 25cm, 30cm, 35cm, and 40cm. There is also a 45cm travel Birkin with slightly longer straps (to be worn on the shoulder).
- Was created in 1984 for the British-born actress and singer Jane Birkin, who was on the same flight as Jean-Louis Dumas-Hermès when her overstuffed purse caught his eye. The Birkin was designed to be larger and more practical; however, Jane Birkin later confessed she stopped using it because the heavy bag contributed to her tendinitis.
Both the Kelly and the Birkin are:
- Entirely hand-made, from start to finish. Supposedly, the craftsmen who make Kelly or Birkin handbags are trained for 7 years – they are first tasked with making belts, wallets, small leather goods and other handbags before moving on to the Birkins and Kellys. It can take an artisan up to 20 hours to construct a Kelly or Birkin bag.
- Embellished with a number-coded padlock and keys, which are housed in a small leather sheath.
- Available in various types of hardware: gold, silver palladium, burnished ruthenium and guilloche, which has a diamond-cut pattern.
- Made of various leathers, from smooth or pebbly calfskin, to exotic lizard, crocodile or ostrich skin. Togo, which is a scratch-resistant textured calf leather, is considered the most popular.
- Very pricey: each starts at around $6,000 – but prices can go up into the six figure range, depending on the materials used.
