I remember the first time I learned about the Hermès Kellydoll bag, also known as the Hermès Quelle Idole bag, was from a member of the PurseForum who was gifted the bag as a push present. I learned two things that day: 1) I was obsessed with the whimsical nature of a bag and design that I typically perceived to be quite rigid and high-class, and 2) I learned what a push present actually was, which in its terminology alone bothers me, but I do love a sentimental gift to celebrate a child’s birth.
Brief History of the Hermès Kellydoll Bag
The Hermès Kellydoll bag was first introduced in 2000 and was designed by Jean-Louis Dumas. These tiny, fun bags were offered in eight colorways and originally retailed for $2,500 (I can’t get over the affordability of that bag even at that time). You’ve probably seen Hermès Kelly Doll bags at auction, sold at very hefty price tags, and now there’s a successor to the design.
The Newest Hermès “Doll” Bag
Introducing the Hermès Kellydole Picto Bag, which is part of the Hermès Spring/Summer 2022 collection and gives a modernized twist to the whimsical nature of the personified bag. However, this version is quite different, offering an optional shoulder strap and a little backpack that attaches to the back of the doll (ok, bag, but you know what I mean). The facial features of this version are a spin on the original, offering a computerized pixelated take. I actually think I prefer this bag to the original; it keeps the lines a bit more sleek but still gives every bit of playfulness that I adore from the first version of this bag.
One of our forum members wondered if this design was based on the Hermès Jingle Games at Ginza from 2018. As she explained, “They lit a game on the facade transforming each glass brick into a pixel. They also gave out these free rubber charms of the pixelated bag. If this is the inspiration behind it, then I find it quite intelligent.”
There are a few colorways offered, and the price is approximately $15,600/£10,810. I am sure these will be pretty hard to track down, even as a storied Hermès client. Right now I mostly have luck finding the Hermès Kelly Quelle Idole Bag Charms, which go for over $6,000. If you are lucky enough to grab one of these new bags, please take all of the pictures and show us!
You can join our discussion on tPF here!
Thanks, I hate it. lol
I already don’t like Birkins and Kellys, these doll ones are soooo awful to me. I know they have their fans and are even difficult to get apparently but ew. They don’t even look “I’d buy it if it were cheap”, they look just plain bad.
I love them. Little works of art. Whimsical and creative. More power to those who can pull them off!
If I’m in the minority I don’t care because I love them for their whimsical nature!
I guess we are in the (loving) minority on this one!!
That little backpack it is carrying sold me!
Purseblog keeps getting this wrong every time: it’s “Kellydole,” not “Kelly Doll.” Because it’s meant to sound like “Quelle idole!”.
You can see that’s what I called the new version – but most people call the bag the Kelly Doll, I think it’s easier for them to remember how to spell properly. But yes, you are right!
Haters will hate and lovers will love.. just be respectful to how others opinions can differ from our own! I love it because I just got one fresh from the store and it really isn’t for the fainted heart/soul and they don’t just offer it to anyone😜
I’m going to give an opinion as an antique doll and teddy bear collector.
I find both the classic and picto versions of this bag equally charming. It’s elegant in the way it’s designed but also charming in such a way that it seems to actually be asking you to like it. That’s a rarity in an inanimate object but Hermes seems to have done that. Bravo!
It’s a fun piece in a very exclusive way. It invites you in and swears to be a discrete companion. It’s also naughty in the way that it knows it is high priced. But, you just can’t get away without the feeling that it wants you to like it no matter the price.
It’s got a lot of character and I wouldn’t be surprised if those lucky enough to have one of these rarities consider it a favorite in their collection.
There’s also something that nobody appears to have mentioned. It’s nearly the same face/expression that I have seen on a pre-Islamic idol from southern Arabia in Yemen. I wondered if that was the inspiration because from the first second I saw this handbag, that is immediately what came to mind. It’s the same timeless and appealing expression that I saw in stone in my archeological studies.
In any case, there’s nothing wrong with a few indulgences on nice things you like! You can’t take it with you so there’s no reason not to have a little fun with your style. These bags fulfill that function surprisingly well despite their whimsical nature.
Great article!