History of the Hermès Kelly Pochette
Hermès Kelly Pochette was part of Jean Paul Gaultier's first collection for Hermès in 2004. Hermès refers to this bag as the Original Mini Kelly and was not considered a quota bag until about 2020. Most Hermès boutiques now consider it a quota bag or won't allow a customer to purchase both a Kelly Pochette and a quota bag. Like other Hermès Kelly bags the Kelly Pochette has the same flap, sangles and turn lock closure. The Kelly Pochette is the most popular Hermès clutch and is a top performer at auction and generally sells quickly on Sotheby's Buy Now Marketplace.
Comparing the Hermès Kelly Pochette and Hermès Mini Kelly 20
The pros and cons of the Hermès Kelly Pochette versus the Hermès Mini Kelly 20 ultimately come down to personal preference. Many collectors are fans of both given the size and style difference. The Hermès Kelly Pochette is 22cm, 2cm larger than Mini Kelly 20. This size difference makes a material difference in what can be carried inside the Kelly Pochette. Most importantly most standard sized mobile phones will fit inside the Kelly Pochette versus the Mini Kelly 20. The Kelly Pochette is also more rectangular and less structured in shape versus the Mini Kelly. The Kelly Pochette is a clutch while the Mini Kelly can be both a clutch and shoulder bag since it has a removable shoulder strap. The Kelly Pochette also doesn't have metal feet on the bottom so you need to be more careful how you set the bag down. The Hermès Kelly Pochette is about $2,500 cheaper and some say slightly easier to purchase at an Hermès Boutique. The resale value of the Hermès Kelly Pochette and the Hermès Mini Kelly 20 are both about 3x the retail price for a store fresh leather bag.
Hermès Kelly Pochette Price
The retail price of the Hermès Kelly Pochettes is about $6,000 in Swift leather at boutiques. The resale price for a store fresh leather Kelly Pochette is about 3x with some colors for selling for even higher. An Hermès Kelly Pochette in Mauve Sylvestre Swift leather with Palladium Hardware from 2022 with the plastic still on the sangles and turnlock sold for $23,940 in December 2022, or about 4x retail. Collectors are often willing to pay a large premium for both new Hermès colors and store fresh bags from the current calendar year. Similar to other Hermès bags, the demand for exotics is smaller than leather bags, so the premium to retail is also significantly lower. Older Kelly Pochettes that have some minor wear sell for generally sell for between 1-2x retail depending on the color and condition.
Hermès Kelly Pochette: Wolf Collection April 7-25
Seven collectible Hermès Kelly Pochettes are available in the Vintage Icons from the Wolf Collection online auction open April 7-25. A few of our favorites not to be missed.
Hermès Kelly Pochette Metallic Bronze Chèvre Ruthenium Hardware, 2005
Hermès metallic bags from 2004-2005 are some of the most collectible limited edition leather bags. A Limited Edition Hermès Kelly 25 in Metallic Bronze Chèvre sold for over $130,000 in Hong Kong in February 2023 as part of The Art of Collecting Handbags- The Visionary Collection of Joseph Lau. A Limited Edition Hermès Birkin 25 in Metallic Silver with Bronze piping sold for a record breaking $139,000 in Hong Kong in April 2022.
Hermès Kelly Pochette Marron Fonce Matte Niloticus Crocodile with Diamonds and White Gold, 2006
One rare very clutch in the Wolf Collection is an Hermès Kelly Pochette with Diamonds on the turn lock. This Kelly Pochette in dark neutral Morron Fonce with a hint of sparkle is the go with everything evening clutch that is perfectly on trend with "Quiet Luxury" that fashion editors can't stop talking about.
Hermès Kelly Pochette Vert Anis Lizard Ruthenium Hardware, 2005
If you're looking for a bolder pick for spring, don't miss the three bight colored Lizard Hermès Kelly Pochettes available in the Wolf Collection sale. All perfect for adding a pop of color to any night time look in Vert Anis, Violet and Rouge Wif.
