Difference between Kelly and Birkin

Hermes is a name synonymous with class, status and style. No other fashion product in the world comes close to owning a Hermes bag. Some other bags may be of high quality but none comes close to a Hermes classic. The article discusses two of these bags: Hermes Birkin and Hermes Kelly. Many people confuse these two because there is some similarity in the appearance. Both of them are totally handmade by fully trained craftsmen. These workers are first given the task of making wallets, belts and other small leather goods before they are qualified to make a Birkin or Kelly. It is said that on average 20 hours are taken to make one of these bags. They are found with different types of hardware like silver, gold, palladium and guilloche. It is also found in different varieties of leather like lizard skin, calf skin, ostrich skin etc. The price increases depending on the hardware and leather used in the bag.

Kelly was first considered to be a formal bag for those prim and proper ladies with old money, now it is also seen carried by stars. It is handled by women who have a perfect posture. Its shape is more structured than that of Birkin. It comes in either a hard outside stitch or a softer finish. The former, known as rigid is more expensive. The most popular dimensions of this bag are 28cm and 32cm although it’s also available in other sizes. It also has a shoulder strap with it which is adjustable and removable. The bag is named after the wife of Prince Rainier of Monaco, Grace Kelly. She used to carry it when she was pregnant and would hide her belly with it.

The Birkin bag has been featured numerous times on magazine covers. One of the most noticeable differences between them is that it had two handles. The bag is not to be hanged on the shoulder and it has short straps. The bag is not very hard, it is a little slouchy and its opening is wider. There are different sizes available which include 25cm, 30cm and 35cm. The bag was made for the famous singer and actress Jane Birkin.

Instructions

  • 1

    The Kelly

    It is Hermes bag generally found in the formal style and has a single handle.

    - Image courtesy: fashion-stylist.net

  • 2

    The Birkin

    It is another Hermes bag which is considered to be for the younger lot and also has a casual style.

    - Image courtesy: attavanti.com

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