Hermès Kelly vs. Birkin vs. Constance Overview

Hermès Kelly 

What is Hermès Kelly?

One of the most iconic handbags created by Robert Dumas is the Hermès Kelly. The trapezoid-shaped handbag for women features two triangular gussets, two side straps, a handle and a cutout flap. The same bag became the brand’s window into the modern world.

The lining in the Kelly bag is made from goat skin and then the rest of the bag is made of durable leather with stunning grains and patterns that give each bag a distinct look. The construction of each Kelly bag requires 18 to 25 hours of handicraft, with each item being created by a single artisan, resulting in high retail prices. 

Kelly bag comes in two styles: Sellier or Retourné. The Sellier is the original Kelly. It has a more structured shape with rigid corners and exterior stitching with no visible piping. The result is a stiffer, sharp edge shape. Occasionally referred to as "Rigide".Alternatively, the Kelly Retourné, also referred to as "souple" is turned inside out during its making, giving it a softer appearance at the edges. Its slouchy feel make it a favorite among Hermès.

Kelly bags are investment, quality luxury items meaning that they either hold or increase their value of time. In the mid-1990s, a standard Kelly bag was priced at $3,500 and as of 2016, prices range from $7,400 to $12,000, 10 times as much as it cost in the 1950s. And the bags with exotic leathers priced higher. The Sellier is generally more expensive model than the Retourne.

Hermès Kelly Bag Review

Where to Buy Hermès Kelly Cheapest?

• vestiairecollective.com  ($17- $21 cashback)

• farfetch.com (8-10% cashback)

• whatgoesaroundnyc.com (3-4% cashback)

• collectorsquare.com  (4-4.9% cashback)

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Hermes Kelly Bag Real vs Fake Guide 2024: How To Authenticate A Fake? (Sizes+7% Cashback)

Hermès was nicely aligned with Kelly’...

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Hermès Birkin 

What is Hermès Birkin Bag?

Among all Hermès bags, Hermès Birkin bags are the most coveted handbags in the world, and have been for many years. Together with premium leathers and extraordinary craftsmanship, this enduring allure ensures Birkin bags hold their value as collectibles. Born as the spacious and sporty solution for a busy woman on the go, the Birkin purse was one of the original “It Bags” and has become one of fashion’s most exclusive status symbols. 

Created in 1984, the iconic bag boasts as its namesake muse Paris-based British actress Jane Birkin.   The silhouette, expert craftsmanship and fine attention to detail remain consistent, making it a recognizable classic. The Birkin stands alone as the most sought after, impossible to find, and collectible bag ever made. This exquisite bag is typically only seen on the arms of the fortunate few. 

Birkin bags are rectangular in shape and have enough room for all of your daily essentials. They can be held using the double top handles. Like the Kelly, the Birkin features leather flaps that can be secured or worn open. They also come with a lock and key set stored in the leather clouchette pouch. 

Another similarity between the two models is the stitching. Birkins also come in Retourne and Sellier versions. Retorne Birkins tend to be rounder, slouchier, and more casual, while Selliers are structured. 

Hermès Birkin Bag Review

Where to Buy Hermès Birkin Cheapest?

• farfetch.com   (8-10% cashback)

• whatgoesaroundnyc.com (3-4% cashback)

• collectorsquare.com (4-4.9% cashback)

• vestiairecollective.com($17- $21 cashback)

2024 Hermes Birkin Bag Real vs. Fake Guide: How to Authenticate A Birkin?

The Hermes Birkin bag personifies Jan...

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Hermès Constance

What is Hermès Constance Bag?

The Hermès Constance bag is a wonderfully versatile accessory that looks equally stylish dressed up or dressed casually. The large front flap is secured with a prominent “H” closure, rendered in palladium, gold, enamel, or exotic skin. The gusseted sides ensure the Hermès Constance comfortably carries far more than it would appear to. Adjustable shoulder straps give it a modern sensibility and a carefree appeal that has stood the test of time.

Introduced in 1969, the Constance bag is considered the third in the “Holy Trinity” of Hermès luxury handbags, along with the Kelly bag and the Birkin bag. The Constance has maintained its popularity for more than 50 years and has only built upon its investment value. The Hermès Constance was favored by fashion icon and former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Today, celebrities and socialites cherish the youthful yet sophisticated design.

The Constance is a more contemporary, easy-to-wear style. Worn crossbody or as a shoulder bag, it's a more practical option than its top-handle tote counterparts. The bag's iconic H clasp comes in various options, such as the standard palladium, gold-plated hardware or enamel clasp. 

Aside from the staple style, Hermès also makes the Constance Elan and the Constance Cartable. The Elan is longer, slimmer, and more clutch-like, while the Cartable is wider and taller than the original style.  Spin-off products include the Constance To-Go wallet, a long wallet with a removable strap, and the Constance belt bag.  

Hermès Constance Bag Review

Pros	Cons
One of Hermès’ most iconic styles  Adjustable strap that allows you to wear it cross-body, over the shoulder, or in the crook of the arm   Easy to style and wear on a daily basis Double compartment helps with organization  Holds its value over time and can resell for more than retail	Some might find the H clasp too over the top  Metal clasp scratches easily and shows fingerprints  Buckle isn’t the easiest to use Strap isn’t removable  Non-Epsom leather bags are prone to scratching around the clasp Double gusset interiors tend to make the bag bulky, especially when filled  Can be just as hard to find as Birkins or Kellys Prices have gone up a lot in recent years

Where to Buy Hermès Constance Cheapest?

• vestiairecollective.com ($17- $21 cashback)

• farfetch.com   (8-10% cashback)

• madisonavenuecouture.com

• sellierknightsbridge.com

2024 Hermès Constance Real vs Fake: How To Spot A Fake Constance Bag?

The Hermès Constance bag was design...

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Hermès Kelly vs. Birkin vs. Constance Comparison Side by Side

1.Materials 

• Hermès Kelly

Hermès Kelly handbags made of exotic materials are extremely rare and highly sought after. The most costly exotic material is crocodile skin. The skins of crocodiles, alligators, lizards, and ostriches are offered in glossy or matte textures. Hermès employs two crocodile species in its handbags: Niloticus crocodile and Porosus crocodile.

Most Kelly bags are equipped with either palladium-plated or gold-plated metal hardware. The palladium-plated hardware has a silvery sheen, while the gold hardware has a dazzling and beautiful sparkle. Hermes often employs 18k gold for gold-plated hardware. On rare occasions, for instance, in special order bags or rarer designs, the 18k gold is replaced with 24k gold.

• Hermès Birkin

The materials used when crafting Birkins often depend on the size of the bag. For instance, Swift leather is a popular choice for the 25 thanks to its smoothness and durability. While perfect for Baby Birkins, Swift isn’t sturdy enough for larger sizes. 

Larger sizes most frequently feature sturdy leathers like Epsom, Box Calf, Togo, and Clemence. In addition to leather, many Birkins are made using exotic skins such as crocodile, ostrich, and lizard. 

Hermès uses 18 karat gold- or palladium-coated hardware. 

• Hermès Constance

The Constance comes in many premium-quality leathers, exotics, and hardware combinations. The most common material for the Constance is Box leather, the material from which it was first constructed. Of course, it is now possible to find the Constance in bolder materials like Niloticus Crocodile, Rouge Alligator Mississippiensis, and Rose Tyrien Ostrich. 

In most cases, Constance bags feature palladium or gold-plated hardware. However, some special edition models use rose gold, enamel, or even diamond-encrusted closures. 

The interior of the bag is lined with lambskin. 

2.Features

• Hermès Kelly

Kelly has an eye-catching trapezoidal shape and several notable features including two triangular gussets, a cutout flap, a single top handle, metal feet, and two side straps.

Three construction styles are used when creating Kellys: Retourne, Sellier (also known as Rigid), and Sellier Mou (also known as Soft). To create a Retourne-style Kelly, artisans sew the bag backward, then turn it inside out. The end result is a slouchy, casual silhouette. 

In contrast, Sellier stitching is visible and creates a pointed-out edge. Sellier’s cousin, the Mou, blends rigid Sellier stitching with supple leather to create a structured-slouchy hybrid bag.  

• Hermès Birkin

Birkin bags are rectangular in shape and have enough room for all of your daily essentials. They can be held using the double top handles. Like the Kelly, the Birkin features leather flaps that can be secured or worn open. They also come with a lock and key set stored in the leather clouchette pouch. 

Another similarity between the two models is the stitching. Birkins also come in Retourne and Sellier versions. Retorne Birkins tend to be rounder, slouchier, and more casual, while Selliers are structured. 

• Hermès Constance

Constance is a slightly rectangular flap-top bag that fastens with a spring-loaded H buckle closure. It features an adjustable shoulder strap that can be worn long for cross-body wear or doubled for shoulder wear. 

The interior features two slip pockets, with larger versions featuring a zippered pocket. 

With the exception of the Micro Constance, this style can be made with a single gusset (one compartment) or a double gusset (two compartments). The double gusset option offers more space and helps keep your bag organized. 

3.Colors

• Hermès Kelly

The Hermes Kelly bag is available in a variety of colors, including classic colors like black and brown, as well as vibrant colors like pink, red, and blue.

• Hermès Birkin

There is absolutely no shortage of colors when it comes to Birkin bags. From subtle neutrals like camel, black, and white to creamy pastels, shocking pinks, and dreamy blues, you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect hue. 

• Hermès Constance

Constance comes in many colors, ranging from neutrals like black and camel to brighter hues like sky blue, ruby red, and yellow. 

4.Sizes 

• Hermès Kelly

The Kelly is available in sizes 20cm, 25cm, 28cm, 32cm, 35cm, 40cm, and 50cm.

Limited editions of Birkins have been issued in 15cm and 20cm, as has a limited edition of a 15cm Kelly.

Below is Hermès Kelly Bag sizes chart inches and in centimeters:

• Hermès Birkin
  

Both the Birkin and the Kelly are offered in an array of sizes to suit the varying needs of different women. 

Birkin bags come in 7 distinct sizes: 25, 30, 35, 40, 42, 45, and 50. These figures correspond to the width of the handbag.

Below is Hermès Birkin Bag sizes chart in inches and in centimeters:

• Hermès Constance

Hermès currently manufactures Constance in five sizes that range from micro to large handbag.

Check out the table below to see the exact dimensions of each size.  

In addition to these sizes, the Constance has also been made in 23 cm, 25 cm, and 29 cm lengths. However, these sizes are discontinued. That said, you may be able to scoop one up on a secondhand website like Fashionphile or Rebag. 

5.Prices 

Like a lot of luxury designers, Hermès does not sell its most popular bags bags via e-commerce. As a result, knowing up-to-date pricing information is a challenge and is usually an estimate at best. 

• Hermès Kelly

Below, we’ve provided a list of the most up-to-date Kelly prices. Unless otherwise mentioned, these prices are for Sellier Kellys made out of Epsom leather. 

Check out the table below for some current Kelly prices. 

• Hermès  Birkin 
  

Hermès increases their prices almost every year. This makes providing accurate estimates difficult. Still, here are some current prices we were able to find. 

The prices listed are for Birkins made out of Togo leather. 

• Hermès Constance
  

The Hermès Constance price depends on many factors including material, size, age and condition.

We weren’t able to verify prices on the Micro, 25 Elan, or 29 Cartable sizes, so we’ve left them out. 

Hermès Kelly vs. Birkin vs. Constance: Which One is Best to Invest？ 

• Hermès Kelly

The Resale Stats: The iconic Hermès Kelly bag comes in second place, and holds 92% resale value on average.

Smaller sizes like the Mini Kelly, the Kelly Pochette, the Kelly 25, and the Kelly 28 have the highest demand. 

In order to purchase a Kelly bag, clients must build up a buying history at Hermès and cultivate a relationship with the sales associates at their nearest boutique. If all goes well, the sales associate will contact prospective customers when a bag becomes available. However, sales associates cannot order specific Kelly bags and rarely know what they’re receiving ahead of time.

So, if you’re lucky enough to get the chance to purchase a Kelly, don’t hesitate to pick up this gorgeous bag.  

• Hermès  Birkin 

The Resale Stats: The uber-coveted Hermès Birkin comes in third place, with an average resale value of 80%.

As more Birkins enter the secondary market, the iconic style continues to reach new demographics. The hunt for rarer “It” Birkins has also increased, leading shoppers to look for more artistic styles with unique touches.

One of the most expensive Birkins ever re-sold — a Himalaya Crocodile Birkin with 18k gold hardware encrusted in diamonds — raked in a cool $500,000. Hermès crocodile comes in two forms — Porosus (from Southeast Asia and Australia) and Niloticus (from Africa). Most Hermès clients have a preference towards one or the other. If you’re looking for a significant return on your investment, consider selling a lizard or crocodile Birkin.

• Hermès Constance

The Resale Stats: First place goes to the Hermès Constance, with an average resale value of 105%.

Who could forget the bag’s namesake — the classic story of Grace Kelly using the bag to hide her baby bump from the paparazzi? In addition to its legacy, the bag’s functionality helps keep it a classic. The Kelly sets itself apart in style and practicality, and the shoulder strap makes all the difference. 

The Kelly Pochette and the Mini Kelly 20 are the models to sell now. The demand for these have skyrocketed, especially since the handbag market is all about mini styles at the moment. 

Where to buy an Hermes bag？

Even though Hermes does sell some of its bags online, they do not include their most popular styles: Kelly, Birkin and Constance.

Therefore, if you do want to buy an Hermes bag you have two options:

1.Hermès boutique and official website

Obviously you can buy most Hermès bags straight from Hermès. It may take you a while, but you can buy a Hermès bag straight from the boutique. You just can’t walk into an Hermès boutique and buy a bag immediately. It must be ordered, and there is a waiting list. You also can’t buy the Birkin or Kelly, or most of its more iconic styles, online. So if you want a Birkin or Constance, for example, and you live in Biloxi, Mississippi, you will need to drive to Atlanta, Georgia, or Houston, Texas, to buy your bag from Hermès. 

If you are not a celebrity or a VIP customer at Hermès but are keen to lay your hands on your very own Birkin, Kelly or Constance, then it is wise to start building a relationship with a SA at your local store or one which you can visit often. Build a purchase history, put yourself down on the waitlist and drop in regularly to meet your SA to check on the status of deliveries. The bits and bobs you pick up along the way will definitely help too.

2.On the secondary market

Buy Hermès bag pre-loved from a reputable website such as Fashionphile, Rebag or 1stDibs. The great thing about buying a pre-loved Birkin, Kelly or Constance is the big selection of bags at your disposal. You can choose between different colors, leathers, hardware and sizes easily – which is of course very different from the boutique experience.

Read More:

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