The daily life of a woman implies versatility, freshness and the right dose of elegance, a combination capable of adapting to any style for each event and environment. Every woman who knows what she wants looks for the perfect accessory to complete her look, to look powerful and to show her status.
But what is the right accessory for this purpose? A Hermès bag, the most sophisticated brand in the luxury accessory market, an eminence desired by the highest spheres, both wealthy collectors and members of high society.
Over the years, Hermès has focused on creating bags that are perfect for all women’s needs, and over time these bags have become icons of fashion culture. These are the Birkin and Kelly, two models that define the quality of the brand and which are currently the most highly demanded on the market. Not for nothing are the favorites of stars and even royalty.
Do you want to know more about these fashion icons? Discover their differences and similarities to know which one suits you best, and you’ll surely be motivated to buy one!
- Similarities
- Differences
- Which one to choose?
- Advantage and value of the acquisition
Similarities
As Hermès brand bags, the Kelly and Birkin have similar features and are identified as sibling accessories. These details in their manufacture stand out precisely because of the specialized work with which they are made, by artisans trained in the business for more than 6 years.
The quality of the Birkin and Kelly is unquestionable and is what makes them one of the most expensive bags in the world, as well as the refinement of the materials applied, which include exquisite skins, gold, palladium and even diamond hardware.
Below, we list the similarities that exist between the Birkin and Kelly from Hermès:
External closure
There is a key feature that identifies the Birkin and Kelly bags, it is the external closure straps of the Hermès brand, it consists of a central piece that joins the two plaques.
This external closure is capable of closing the flap that gives access to the inside of the bag, and has the option of placing a padlock to ensure the integrity of the valuable items inside.
Four bottom studs
In the confection of Hermès bags, hardware of different materials are implemented, among them one of the most important are the bottom studs that are placed in the lower part of the bag.
This serves to provide greater support when the Birkin or Kelly is placed on a flat surface, it also provides greater firmness to the leather structure of the bag.
Pendants, keys and padlocks
Hermès bags are characterized by the implementation of the security system with padlocks and keys, which as mentioned above, are used to secure the external closure and close the flap.
Both the Kelly and Birkin bags have a pendant or clochette in which a key and a padlock are stored. It must be noted that these elements are of the same material as the external closure and the rest of the hardware of the bag.
Diagonal seams
Kelly and Birkin bags are handcrafted with great care by Hermès artisans, which is why the seams with which the skins of the bags are joined are very particular, they differ in their diagonal and continuous technique, with a soft and delicate finish. This is common to all Hermès products!
Sizes
Both handbag models come in different sizes designed for the needs of each woman, and these sizes are quite similar between the Kelly and Birkin, with some slight differences in centimeters and variety.
The sizes of the Hermès bags are identified by the number of centimeters of its base; in the Birkin handbags there are four sizes: 25, 30, 35 and 40. In the Kelly bags the sizes are: 20, 25, 28, 32, 35 and 40.
However there are different models, like the mini, micro and different varieties, both in the Kelly and Birkin bags.
Differences
Despite their many similarities, the Kelly and Birkin have subtle but important differences when a more detailed comparison is made. We must remember that they are different models and years of creation are quite distant, so they maintain certain characteristics of their own that make them individually unique handbags.
Here we let you know the differences between the Kelly and Birkin bags from Hermès:
Handles
The most noticeable difference between these two Hermès models are the handles; those of the Birkin are two thin, firm “U” shaped handles attached to the sides of the bag, while the Kelly has a single handle that is attached to the top of the bag. However, this one is much thicker and resistant, besides being wider and shorter.
Way to wear them
Another of the most specific differences between the Birkin and the Kelly is the way they are worn or carried. The Birkin is designed to be worn on the forearm and can also be held firmly in the hand.
In comparison, the Kelly can be worn on the forearm like the Birkin, but it also gives the option of adding a strap and hanging it over the shoulder or be used as a crossover bag.
Capacity and width
The widest bag between the two turns out to be the Birkin, which is designed to carry a greater amount of things and therefore its interior is wider. Even if you compare a size 30 Birkin and a size 35 Kelly, the Birkin will always be wider.
Closing flaps
A very noticeable difference between both models of Hermès bags is the fact that the closing flaps are different, that of the Kelly is smooth and straight, following a single line in alignment with the external closure.
In comparison, the flap of the Birkin is divided into three parts in its horizontal extension, to give space to the joints of the handles, which are attached to the sides of the bag.
Hardware of the locking straps
Although this is a very subtle difference, it is one of the indispensable ways to differentiate a Birkin from a Kelly. Birkin bags have two pieces of hardware that hold the straps of the central closure, these pieces are the same type of material as all the hardware of the bag.
In contrast, the Kelly does not have these metallic additions, the straps are flat and smooth.
Which one to choose?
If you have arrived here and have been able to get to know a little more about these timeless Hermès bags and you still don’t know which one to choose, don’t worry, it is common to doubt between the Birkin and Kelly, since both are exquisite and attractive accessories. There is a reason why they are the most desired bags in the fashion world!
Either way, the decision to purchase a Birkin or a Kelly depends on the type of use you want to make of your new Hermès bag.
Firstly, because each one is designed with something in mind; the Kelly is defined as a bag destined for people who want to complement their elegant outfit, so it could be said that the Kelly is a more suitable bag for sophisticated and formal occasions. Anyway, it can be adapted to any kind of occasion if you know how to style it.
On the other hand, the Birkin was designed as a bag for chic women who want to look good on a daily basis while carrying everything they need in their bags. The Birkin can be interpreted as a bag for everyday or casual occasions that deserve a touch of luxury. But if the right model is used, it can become a very sophisticated formal bag.
Advantage and value of the acquisition
Without a doubt, there is something that is clear and that facilitates the decision to acquire a Hermès bag: investing in one of these accessories is a smart move, given that the value of the luxury bags of this brand increases day by day.
So you can always make your investment worthwhile if you decide to sell it after its use in the luxury resale market, or if you simply want to own a renowned accessory like a Birkin or a Kelly.
Investing in a Hermès bag represents a greater return than investing in diamonds or gold!
Finally, having at least one bag of each model will position you with a great advantage, not only because of the value that both can achieve over the years, but also because you will have the opportunity to look extraordinary on every occasion that deserves it, with a touch of luxury, exclusivity and freshness, unique features that define the status and power of having a Hermès bag.
If you need more advice in which Hermès bag to choose based in your personal situation, we offer you this helpful posts:
- 5 tips to choose your ideal handbag
- 5 elements to consider before investing in a Hermès bag
Have you made your decision? We’re glad you did!
If you want to make your purchase now, we invite you to visit our online store, where you will find an easier way to acquire your ideal Hermès bag. You will have access to a great variety of Hermès bags, without waiting lists and with all the authenticity proof you need. It can’t get any better!
Trust the experts and get your Hermès bags from the comfort of your home!