Birkin & kelly

“The Modern Artisan” since 1837

Hermès was founded in Paris in 1837.
It all began when founder Thierry Hermès started crafting luxury horse harnesses.
Discover the iconic bags that represent Hermès—the Birkin and Kelly—the very essence distilled from its long history!

What's the difference between the Birkin and Kelly?

Hermès' iconic bags, the Birkin and Kelly—what exactly is difference?
These three points are the main differences: the number of handles, their shape, and whether they have a strap.
Now, let's take a look at the differences between the two models through the photos.

Key Differences Between Birkin and Kelly Bags

Double Handles vs. Single Handle
Note the flap shape and subtle form details!
Kelly Bag comes with a shoulder strap, making it a versatile 2-way style.

Front Detail

The Birkin features double handles. The back handle is slightly larger than the front one, designed so the handles do not overlap.
The turn-lock closure that firmly holds the flap and hardware for courroie is also distinctive features.

The Kelly has a single handle. It can be used as a shoulder bag.
Check it out - the flap crafted from a single piece of leather extending from the back.

Side Detail

Both the Birkin and Kelly feature ample gussets, and adjusting the gussets and base allows for surprisingly expandable storage capacity.

Back Detail

The Kelly bag features a beautifully flowing, smooth silhouette crafted from a single piece of leather, while the Birkin allows you to appreciate Hermès' signature stitching technique, the “Cousu Sellier”

Inside Detail

Both the Birkin and Kelly feature gusseted zip pockets and flat pockets, convenient for small accessories.
*The number, type, and shape of pockets vary by model.

Accessories

Both the Birkin and Kelly bags come with a “cadena” lock, key, and cloche.
Additionally, the Kelly bag includes a shoulder strap, allowing you to enjoy wearing it with or without the strap depending on the occasion.
*Please note that some models, such as the Kelly Mini, do not include cadena +ock, key, and cloche].

Birkin

『Birkin』Captivating women all over the world with Hermes ultimate luxury

French actress, Jane Birkin was not an expert at organizing her stuff. She does not bother about the public eyes and tends to fill her favorite tote bag and straw bag with all her personal items. One day, Hermes chief executive, at that time, Mr. Dumas was seated next to Jane Birkin coincidentally on a flight from Paris to London. Jane Birkin's worn out rattan bag was packed to the brim and her organizer was almost dropping out. Mr. Dumas was shocked at the sight of it and so he immediately came up with an idea.

“I will design a bag for you - one that can fit all your stuff, including an inner pocket so that you can keep your organizer too.” Mr. Dumas said.

Thus in 1984, the Birkin bag was born. Jane fell in love with the bag and carried it with her wherever she went. She even decorated the bag with accessories. There is a common point between Jane Birkin, celebrities, models and all the women who long for a Birkin bag ? all these ladies have to juggle between their family and work and still look like they are enjoying their lifestyle. The Birkin bag is versatile and suited for all occasions. That is the reason why this bag is so appealing.

From mothers to daughters… The ultimate status symbol of the modern women today. Like an eternal lifetime partner.

……This may be the alluring charm of the Birkin bag.

Birkin Size Guide

	Width	Height	Depth
Birkin 25	25cm	20cm	13cm
Birkin 30	30cm	22cm	16cm
Birkin 35	35cm	25cm	18cm
Birkin 40	40cm	30cm	20cm

Kelly

Kelly bag gives every woman in the world a dream just like an eternal Cinderella.

Debuting at a young age of 22 years, becoming a top-notch Hollywood actress and then to becoming the Princess of Monaco. Grace Kelly was basking in the media’s limelight. Her story was like a comeback of a modern Cinderella.

Back date to the 1936s, this Hermes icon bag was born and initially called sac a courroie until it was popularized by and then named after the American actress and Monegasque princess, Grace Kelly. Within months of her marriage, the pregnant Princess of Monaco was photographed using the handbag to hide her growing belly from the paparazzi. That photograph was later featured in the Life magazine.Yes, this was how the name, Kelly bag derived.

In a blink of an eye, the handbag achieved great popularity worldwide as a fashion icon. In 1956, Hermes International officially renamed the sac a courroie to sac a main Kelly. Hence, the Kelly bag is born in the shape of dreams which spreads happiness to the world.

Soon, all the ladies wanted to emulate Grace Kelly ? “I want to be like her”. The imagination of a woman carrying a Kelly bag matches the image of a high class lady. Hence, owning a Kelly bag became associated as an exclusive status symbol.

The Kelly bag is a touch more formal, giving it a more refined feminine look and no matter which angle you look at this bag, it exudes an impeccable and ultimate form where it transforms any lady into a cosmopolitan style. Regardless of party or formal events, this bag is versatile, suited for all occasions and overflows with an enchanted mood.

Because of its appealing form, women who carry Kelly bag portray an elegant and gracious image.Henceforth, this is one of the most coveted bags that every woman aspires to own.