For many, especially those that aren’t aware of Hermès‘ extensive offerings, Hermès is synonymous with the iconic and incredibly elusive Birkin. Though the French design house has modernized itself tremendously in the last few years, cultivating both a social media presence as well as a functioning e-commerce website, when it comes to the Birkin, the brand remains incredibly tight-lipped. Birkins are notoriously difficult to purchase, often requiring a longtime relationship with a sales associate, and thousands of dollars worth of prior purchases. Even still, all of that doesn’t necessarily guarantee you’ll get the exact bag you want.
The rarity of its most famous bag is what gives Hermès an exclusivity that is unparalleled in the luxury industry. The Hermès consumer is one of the wealthiest in the world, and when money is nearly no object, you have the world at your fingertips, so status and exclusivity count for a lot. However, with the rise in popularity of resale sites like StockX, the RealReal, and social media savvy Privee Porter, Birkins are available via the click of a mouse. With the air of exclusivity gone, will the popularity of the Birkin Bag die? Conversely, will this readily available supply of them make room for a new a Hermès star? Let’s investigate.
[sc_ic_ad1]The history of the Birkin has been widely discussed in mainstream media, and it’s no secret that the bag was named after actress Jane Birkin. The original idea for the Birkin first came to life in 1981, and it was nearly impossibly to predict the impact the bag would have on the handbag industry and fashion as whole. However, nearly 40 years later, Birkins are more readily available than ever, thanks to the secondhand market.
The first iteration of the Hermès Kelly Bag was born in 1937, though it wasn’t coined the Kelly Bag until its namesake actress Grace Kelly carried the bag in 1956 to hide her growing baby bump. Though the Kelly has been around way longer than the Birkin has, only recently has its popularity begun to rival that of its counterpart, and with exclusivity falling by the wayside, will its admiration by handbag lovers continue to increase? It’s very possible—here’s why:
It’s estimated that millennials shopping power will reach its peak in 2020, with their total spending power estimated to reach $1.4 trillion, according to Lexington Law. Millennials are stereotypically known for following trends and staying up to date on the latest and greatest. And while the Birkin is certainly a statement piece and a classic, the rise of the Kelly follows the model of what’s old is new again, as designers are tapping into their archives to bring back designs of the past. Though the Kelly never went away, its rise in popularity cannot be ignored.
The Kelly differs from the Birkin in that it is not as widely recognizable, and its shape and construction are a bit simpler, making it an effortlessly classic choice that can be dressed up or down. Though originally it was the Birkin that was associated as more of an everyday bag, as times have changed so has the mentality that the Kelly cannot be worn as an everyday bag. With the rise in popularity of the dressed up/dressed down look, it’s much more common to see the Kelly styled with jeans and a t-shirt, making it a more desirable investment than it was in the past.
Some may argue otherwise, but to many, the idea of a Holy Grail Birkin has lost its luster. Celebrities have long since carried Birkins, hence diluting the bags image, and its possible that handbag lovers are moving past the idea of the Birkin as an ‘it bag’ all together due to its peak popularity. As the perception of the Birkin changes, the idea of owning a Kelly has become more desirable for many. However, the questions remains: can it surpass the Birkin?
anything the Kartrashians carry instantly loses value and appeal to me – the birkin is not exception
I’m not going to let the Kardashians dictate what fashions I do or don’t like.
Agree totally. And other “celebs” have decreased its value too. (not naming names but they pop up on this site all the time)
I love Kelly more and I do own one in 28. It’s one of my holy grail bag. Love the history of it and the bag itself. It’s so me.
I hope the Kelly becomes more popular so I can get my Birkin sooner. 🙂 Joking aside, the second hand market has literally no appeal to me. Part of owning a Birkin, for me, is getting one from Hermes. It’s not just the bag, but the path to get it. Second, even if the Kelly takes over the Birkin world, the Birkin will eventually make a comeback. The bag is so beautiful in person I can’t imagine it will be in second position for long. Those two titans can battle it out for years to come and the world will be just fine. Honestly, I think its personal style that should dictate which one to purchase.
I honestly feel that both are pretty equal. It’s a matter of personal preference when it comes to which of the two people prefer to carry.
I can’t afford anything from Hermes but I think the Birkin will always edge out the Kelly due to its functionality. Birkin is essentially a tote. The Kelly’s top handle makes it fussy.
Yes, but Kelly has the shoulder strap, and Birkin always has to be held. I like being able to go hands free, and that’s why Kelly wins out for me.
True. Birkins are very heavy to lug around all day. They are also much easier for a purse snatcher to grab. And, thanks to the Kardashians, every purse snatcher on earth knows what a Birkin is. I am very careful about when and where I carry mine.
I totally agree. Both seem kind of “ladies who lunch” to me, but the Kelly even more so. Fussy is a good word.
Kelly > Birkin for me. Personally.
Also if we’re speaking on if millennials will push the Kelly up, lest not forget that Hermès isn’t like the other brands and getting one still isn’t easy (unless on the secondary market) and the price of it on the secondary market isn’t as accessible. Therefore I don’t think that popularity with other brands using vintage trends will really effect Hermès since they aren’t accessible like other brands.
I agree! Not everyone can afford a Birkin or Kelly used so I’m not sure the air of exclusivity is “gone” so to speak.
The appeal is gone for those who have known and loved the bag before they became household, hip hop, reality show words. Yes, I know it sounds a bit snobbish, but there it is.
The Kelly is beautiful and does have a shoulder strap, which is nice. I think both bags are gorgeous classics. We all need both!
I definitely prefer the Birkins than the Kellys; the double handles are always more accessible than the single one, especially in the case of Kelly, the single handle will create “strain” on the flap over time.
One would think that about the Kelly, but it’s actually not true. I own both and the handles hold up equally. I prefer my Birkin for easy accessibility, but I wear them both consistently. I, on the other hand, have the opposite problem of most ppl. Since Hermes opened a boutique about 10 years ago and I’ve established a relationship I get calls frequently for both Kelly’s and Birkin’s; however, at times I need to pass since I can’t afford everything.
I also have both in fact; three 30cm Birkins in Togo, one 25cm in Porosus and another 25cm in Niloticus, with two epsom 25cm Kellys and one in Ostrich. My preference was solely due to the fact that I have sent more of my Kellys to spa than the Birkins. It’s not just about the “straining” visible on the flaps , but also the handle seems to become more and more ‘flimsy’ as time goes by, most likely due to the weight and pressure laid upon the sole handle. (Note: I never use the shoulder strap.)
It sounds like you have a beautiful collection! The only time I sent one of my Kelly’s to the spa was because I bought it on the secondary market and it needed a spa treatment. It took about 2 months, but it came back looking brand new. However, my one issue is they don’t touch the inside. The other worry about buying on the secondary market is that if a bag is not authentic I’ve read that Hermes keeps it. I also baby my bags so maybe that’s why they haven’t been in the spa, but I need to use them more. They are so gorgeous!
Same concerns with regards to the secondary market! It definitely feels way more reassuring to purchase one from the store than from resellers! Also it’s actually a really good idea to send a bag purchased from secondary market to spa, in doing so, the bag would also be authenticated as part of the process (though I was told that if the specialists deem the bag as a counterfeit, they would have to send it back to Paris instead of returning to the owner).
This really goes to show that the person writing this article knows nothing about the history of Hermes. For your information, the Kelly was more popular than the birkin when it came out to those in the know. Jane Birkin herself said the BIrkin bag was a disaster and hurt her back. But I digress. The KELLY was the “IT BAG” forever. Years ago, it was Grace Kelly who made the bag popular and it was named after. Then others such as Audrey Hepburn etc. had the bag. The Kelly was considered the bag of the OLDER WEALTHY and those with CLASS and in HIGH SOCIETY. When the birkin came out, the French thought that only the “low class” bought the birkin. It was NEVER considered in the same class as the birking. However, Americans love bigger and better. So the Americans began buying 35CM birkins and the celebrities here popularized it. Thus, it became famous, although Jane Birkin kept saying it was an awful bag. The Americans also touted the use of lumpy/bumpy leathers such as togo and clemence because they were carrying the bag everywhere and wanted something sturdy. This was also looked upon as low class by the French. They prefered the use of their stunning calf leathers and veau leathers. None of which exist in quality anymore. And many of the stunning veau leathers have long been discontinued. The birkin didn’t come out first. The Kelly did. Now as celebrities were given birkins to wear and photographed, the birkin, which was gigantic became popularized. However, the Kelly was not a work bag, but an elegant bag used at cocktail parties, going to the theatre, etc. The Kelly was and always will be the classier bag. Only in more modern times, did the birkin become popular in the history of Hermes.
Are you aware that the Birkin is a TOTE BAG?
You place a lot of responsibility of the Birkin’s popularity on “The Americans,” but Jane Birkin was an English actress who lived (still lives?) in Paris, France with her family, where she was (is?) considered an almost iconic fixture (I hate it when people over-use that term). You failed to mention her in your first comment and you only briefly mentioned her in your late comment to say how much she hated the bag that was named after her. While it’s true that she is known to only have owned 5 Birkins throughout her lifetime, there are plenty of photos of her still carrying her’s. Can she really hate it that much? And can she not be attributed to the Birkin’s popularity?
In the first comment, there’s a lot of responsibility of the Birkin’s popularity based on “The Americans,” but Jane Birkin was an English actress who lived (and still lives?) with her family in Paris, France, where she was/ (is?) an almost an iconic fixture (I hate it that people overuse this term). You clearly know WAY more about Hermes history and high-society than me, but you failed to bring this major part of its history into your comment. Now you’ve briefly mentioned her in this comment, but only to say how much she “hated” the bag. It’s true that she’s known to only have owned 5 Birkins in her lifetime, but there are plenty of photos of her still using it in her older age. Does she “hate” it that much?!
Nothing could be less classy than looking down on other people because of what they wear.
She actually believes that we give a squirrel’s left testicle about what “old money” think
Exactly! Also, this person is making condescending and generalized speculations based on opinion, only, and not facts. She lacks credibility and cannot be taken seriously.
Can you guide me to your references re: that the French thought the Birkin was only for the low class? I had not heard this and would be interested to read more about the history of both the Kelly and Birkin. Thx.
I never liked Birkin bags cuz my ignorant American ass thought they were bougie and eye-roll-worthy, but knowing that people think they’re working class quality makes me like them for the first time! Since I work for a living, delicate makes are a waste of money; I need bags that PERFORM.
For those so opposed to the idea of owning a birkin or kelly, i would wonder what you guys are doing reading this article to begin with?
1) I was being facetious in the sense that I was leaning into the premises that Joan deeren (the first to comment) established about Birkin vs Kelly and class of people who are associated with each by true knowledgeable insiders.
2) Blogs, no matter the topic, are part of the public sphere, where things like dialogues and civil discourse happen. It tends to go that the healthier the democracy, the healthier the public sphere. So, whether I agree or disagree with a post or a comment on a post is part of the intended function of blog.
The Birkin is considered less “ladylike” than the Kelly in Europe, that’s true. I would not go as far as to say it means “low class” but it mostly means “new money” whereas the Kelly means “old money” or for instance, blue blood. There is an aristocratic feel to the Kelly the Birkin has not. But in France (at least from what I know) the Birkin is regarded as kind of a rock’n’roll bag, Something more bohemian than the Kelly. It is the “cool girl bag” when the Kelly is the “princess bag”.
True also that Barenia and Box leathers were of an incredible quality. I’ve seen extremely old Kelly bags in these leathers and they were stunning. Grace Kelly, if I am not mistaken, only had barenia and box leather Kelly bags.
I repeat, the Birkin was designed is a functional, daytime TOTE BAG. That is what I use mine for. The Kelly was designed as a handbag/shoulder bag. I do think that the current craze for minuscule, useless Birkins is ridiculous.
I repeat, the Birkin was designed is a functional, daytime TOTE BAG. That is what I use mine for. The Kelly was designed as a handbag/shoulder bag. I do think that the current craze for minuscule, useless Birkins is ridiculous.
Most French people have no idea what a Kelly or a Birkin is… just saying.
To Master Green
http://madame.lefigaro.fr/style/un-kelly-pour-la-vie-110515-96517
http://www.noblesseetroyautes.com/grace-de-monaco-et-le-sac-kelly/
https://www.cosmopolitan.fr/,accessoires-les-sacs-des-classiques-incontournables,2090,1077568.asp
http://madame.lefigaro.fr/style/cinq-facons-de-porter-le-sac-kelly-hermes-comme-les-stars-180718-149820
All in French, hoping you’ll enjoy.
My friends are high society and come from royalty. When the birkin came out, the upper class laughed. They laughed at the ugly leathers. They didn’t consider TOGO or CLEMENCE special but for the working class. It was the Americans who made the birkin famous. THere was only the KELLY and everyone wanted to look like Jackie K, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn. THis was at the beginning. But the last 20 or so years, especially about 10-15 years ago, the birkin became a working girls handbag if she had a good job. Kellys were worn by non working women. Women who were very very wealthy and even if they were not as wealthy and had one it was used for the theatre, cocktail parties, movie stars. It became then a sturdier handbag for the americans. THen they wanted a bigger bag they could put files and carry other items in, so the birkin became popular until everyone’s arm hurt and it hurt their back. The French and others followed the Americans but this is quite recent in terms of years. In fact, when the whole birkin thing was in bloom about 12-15 years ago, I said to one of the Hermes SA that all this hoopla was looked down upon by the French and they considered the birkin low class and those in the know should buy a kelly. ANd she turned to me and said, “boy you know you’re stuff.” I also pointed out that TOGO and CLEMENCE was a version of Fisherman’s all weather leather used in Norway. She said I was correct. It’s dooney & bourke all weather leather (the original) but at a higher class. She said I was correct. Therefore a discussion on what’s more popular only has to do with the current decade and nothing more. In the scheme of decades, it was always the Kelly. But now it’s about 50-50. 10-15 years ago the birkin. But this was not due to the french. It was due to the Americans starting this and the EU followed but again, we are talking about more current times.
“My friends are “high society and come from royalty…” I was tempted to stop reading right there. But I had to continue. I love a good train wreck of a post that reveals more about the poster than the subject.
And speaking of “high society,” it’s “boy you know your stuff” not “you’re stuff.”
There’s a lot of responsibility of the Birkin’s popularity based on “The Americans,” but Jane Birkin was an English actress who lived (and still lives???) with her family in Paris, France, where she’s almost an iconic fixture (I hate it that people overuse this term). You clearly know WAY more about Hermes history and high-society than me, but you failed to bring this major part of its history into your paragraph.
Sounds like the sans-culottes should have cut more heads in 1789.
…then you woke up from your hallucination?
This is some weird stuff you are writing. I don’t believe any of it.
I think this is about high society and not just ‘people with mounds of money’…I never understood the appeal of Rolex/Birkin either (other than that it’s a well made watch/bag). These goods are now so common that perhaps don’t attract people who don’t consider themselves ‘commoners’, ehh…I’m just speculating here.
No, ppl regardless of their standing carry designer items without discrimination. If this person is high society or an elitist she would have more class than to write this BS.
No, ppl regardless of their standing carry designer items without discrimination. If this person is high society or an elitist she would have more class than to write this BS.
Typically those from “old money” tend to be better educated & able to string more words together than the one who posted all this drivel.
Doesn’t matter. DId you live in France from the 60-90s? Did you rent castles in the south of France?
Did you live in Monaco from the 60s-90s? I think my friends who hung out with Princess Grace know more than you. Because some low class celebs wear Birkins doesn’t mean anything in reality. I don’t like the Hermes that much. It is not my favorite so it doesn’t matter to me personally. I can buy what I choose. The whole Chanel ensemble to me is what true class is or was considering the awful styles and awful celebs they are touting. But what I said is a fact. If you find someone older they will tell you the same thing. Why is it weird? Do you know that in the Italy and France in the 70s if you had a ROLEX you were considered lower class because those in the know would not waste their money on it? You should buy a Brequet or Piaget. They considered people idiots who bought Rolexes. It was considered something worn by certain types of people. True connoisseurs bought a Patek Phillippe. Do you know how many people I have met who think everything is “weird” so they traded their limited edition Patek Phillippe watch, which they couldn’t pronounce for an regular Rolex. THey would say, “I had this watch PAD-DEK Phil-lip or something like that. I spent a lot, some limited edition. BUt it’s not Rolex. I made a good deal. The guy was anxious to give me a deal. I was able to trade it in for a Rolex. They’re what’s popular now. THe guy was anxious to make a deal. Yeah! Because the Patek PHillippe was worth maybe $100K but they went with what was currently popular. That was over 20 years ago. It’s not weird. It’s fact. Enjoy
No, the fact is that your posts are long, rambling and reveal deep insecurity.
Basically you admire people that are judgmental snobs. Got it.
Yet you seem to miss the point that Piaget is indeed a jewellry brand, most of their watches, even high jewellry collections are mostly done with quartz movement, which most would deem as poor watchmaking. Also money can never buy class, and your comment just further highlights that.
CORRECTAMUNDO. Apparently, the “friend of royalty and high society” has never heard of the holy triumvirate of fine watchmaking: Patek Phillipe, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet.
CORRECTAMUNDO. Apparently, the “friend of royalty and high society” has never heard of the holy triumvirate of fine watchmaking: Patek Phillipe, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet.
I think the distinction is also about new money and old money. It is true, though, that in Europe a Kelly means old money whereas a Birkin is rather considered new money.
No, the Kelly will never be as popular as the Birkin. I looked at the boutiques that sells pre loved bags and all the Birkin was sold very fast, and all the Kellys are still there.
Almost everyone says that in order for you to score your first Birkin or Kelly, one has to literally buy a lot of smaller items and other goods within a certain period of time. Metaphorically speaking, this is just like the College Bribery Scandal where the kids’ parents have to pay ahead in order to get their kids in those prestigious schools. So basically customers have to bribe Hermes by buying lots of other items before they can be sold a Birkin or a Kelly.
Believe me. It wasn’t always like that. The fake scarcity is just Hermès’ way of controlling the supply and demand. They are very similar to DeBeers in that regard.
Kelly is my HG bag, I don’t mind owning a birkin either.
I am not crazy about either one. Too fussy to open and close, and I don’t like carrying a bag in an undone state. And too many people carry them mainly in order to show off
Agree. I vastly prefer the Bolide for its under the radar status and practicality.
I’ve always liked the Kelly better, but the Hermes bag magic is largely lost on me. I’ll always be a vintage Chanel freak.
I find I reach for my Kelly 28 more than my Birkin 30s, but that could also be because it’s black and more versatile, vs. the Barenia and Bleu Nuit of the Birkins (though the blue does go great with denim).
One day I might buy a Birkin, but for now, I only see myself carrying a Kelly 35, and it must be a Sellier. Talk about fussy! LOL.
I have one of each and will never buy any more. I bought both of mine when you could just walk into any Hermès boutique, see what they had, and walk out with either bag. I was treated like a valued customer, and the SAs were there to courteously make a sale to me.
Birkins and Kellys have both jumped the shark. The Kardashians have totally ruined their appeal. And, I’ll be durned if I am going out of my way to cozy up to an Hermès salesperson and buy a bunch of stuff that I don’t really want, just to get on a fake waiting list. I prefer the Bolide. It is easier to purchase, more low key, and far more practical than either the Kelly or Birkin. And, I’ve yet to see a Kardashian carrying one,