![]() Wayward Kelly designs also include the Kelly Elan (think Kelly Danse without the waist straps), the Kelly Flat (with a strap that ties instead of turnlock-and-straps), the Kelly Sport (slimmer and only bearing a shoulder strap, no top handle), Kelly À Dos (backpack), the Kelly Longue (the longer, original version of the Kelly Cut, which is rare but still in production), and the So Kelly (bucket bag version of the Kelly, also with no top handle), among others. ![]() While the Kelly Lakis is becoming harder and harder to find (occasionally a push offer, then relegated to Special Orders, the Lakis unfortunately seems to be nowhere to be found this season), it’s one of the more fun iterations of the Kelly, with front and back zipper pockets. Also bear in mind that the more relaxed structure of a Retourne bag allows it to hold more than the Sellier – but that eventually the Retourne will also slouch (the amount of slouch depends on the leather used and how careful you are with it), while the Sellier will not. More importantly, the different structures each give off a different vibe, whether formal (the Sellier) or casual ( Retourne). The structure you choose will dictate some of the details of this bag: certain leathers are used for each (currently Sellier is usually made in epsom leather, and in chevre in 20cm or via special order it used to be available by order in togo as well, but not for the last few seasons it is also produced in the exotic leathers), and concomitantly certain colors are only produced in certain leathers. Sellier or Retourne?ĭo you want your stitching on the inside or the outside of the bag? That’s essentially the difference between the two structural versions of the Kelly: Sellier, which has the stitching on the outside, is the stiffer, more structured version (it used to be called Rigide), and Retourne, with the stitching on the inside, is the softer version (formerly Mou, although a Kelly Mou was a specific type of Mou bag). Often people find the strap-and-turnlock closure “fidgety” (for want of a better word) and inconvenient, and so many owners “compromise” by tending to just pop the flap over the turnlock and twist the turnlock without putting the straps on, which makes it easier to get into and out of the bag, but is not great for the bag structurally (it puts too much of the weight of the bag on the turnlock, rather than displacing it via the straps through to the structure of the bag. The flap of the Kelly cannot be tucked in and, if the bag is left open, it has an awkward appearance. Note that even though the Kelly is more vertically proportioned than the Birkin, I don’t find it more difficult to find my things in one over the other (and again, if that’s a concern there’s always a bag organizer). The flap pretty much needs to be closed, which is very secure and – unlike the Birkin – the Kelly comes with a shoulder strap, which makes the bag more versatile. With a classic, more elegant (vertical) shape than the Birkin, the Kelly, especially in the smaller sizes, can lean formal, but still works on casual days as well. It also comes with a matching shoulder strap (and Hermès also produces other shoulder straps which can be used interchangeably on the Kelly) so that it is not just a hand/arm carry bag like the Birkin but can also be worn on the shoulder, and, with one of the longer straps, cross-body (depending on the bag and strap size). The Kelly, however, is distinguishable in that the flap is structured and cannot be tucked in. It also has the rear zip and slip pockets on the interior. A more feminine, top-handle bag which, like the Birkin, also has a flap, sangles and clochette, it has somewhat of a more vertical design, with a base slightly wider than the top. The Kelly, while at times considered less popular than the Birkin, is just as desirable, and in some ways is more functional and elegant. Let’s examine the structure and the pros and cons of each design and size.Įditor’s Note: This is part two of a two-part series, be sure to read part one for an in-depth overview of the Hermès Birkin. ![]() ![]() While many Hermès collectors wind up buying each style at some point, many have a preference for one over the other. Both designs are produced in a variety of leathers and colors every season. Although both are very popular, each has a different structure, and each has its own milieu of fans. Since we’re talking about Hermès, we’re probably talking about the Birkin and the Kelly (and also the Constance, but that’s a completely different bag which deserves an article of its own!). Either way, you have some important decisions to make when buying a new purse. Or, perhaps you’re a longtime customer, waiting for the latest addition to your wardrobe. Perhaps you’re new to Hermès bags, hoping you’ll get an offer soon.
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