Learn More About the Hermès Kelly Pochette, Our Favorite Clutch to Carry Now
Everything about the Most Popular Hermès Clutch: the Hermès Kelly Pochette
History of the Hermès Kelly Pochette
Hermès Kelly Pochette was first introduced in 2004 as part of Jean Paul Gaultier's first collection for Hermès. Hermès refers to this bag as the Original Mini Kelly and it 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. Hermès quota bags include the Birkin and Kelly bag and some boutiques also consider the Hermès Constance a quota bag. Like other Hermès Kelly bags the Kelly Pochette has the same flap, sangles, turn lock closure and a top handle. Unlike an Hermès Kelly bag, the Kelly Pochette does not have a removable strap. 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.
Most popular leather for the Kelly Pochette is Hermès Swift leather that is made from fine grain nubuck calfskin. The leather is semi smooth and most importantly takes on vibrant colors. The drawback for Swift leather is it can scratch easily. The Kelly Pochette can also be found in Epsom leather and Suede. Other popular materials for the Hermès Kelly Pochette is Lizard, Crocodile, Alligator and Ostrich in both Matte and Shiny finishes.
Hermès Kelly Pochette versus the Mini Kelly
Many Hermès buyers consider the Kelly Pochette an alternative to the Mini Kelly. While the Mini Kelly remains more popular in the secondary market due to both its distinct shape that is more similar to the original Kelly bag and the removable strap, there are a number of benefits to the Hermès Kelly Pochette versus the Mini Kelly. While the Kelly Pochette is similar in size, the dept and shape allows a phone to easily fit inside the bag. Most phones don't fit inside a Mini Kelly, especially if you have a protective case around your phone. The discreet handle also makes this bag a better even clutch versus the Mini Kelly. The Kelly Pochette doesn't have metal feet at the base of the bag which is a positive for some but it can be a disadvantage for others.
Hermès Kelly Pochette Price
The retail price of a Swift leather Hermès Kelly Pochettes is about $6,400 in 2024, up from $6,000 in 2023 at boutiques. The boutique price for a lizard Kelly Pochette is $14,500. The resale price for a store fresh leather Kelly Pochette in Swift leather is about 3x with some colors selling for even higher. A Mauve Sylvestre Hermès Kelly Pochette in 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. Basic black with gold hardware is also in demand and a Black Swift Kelly Pochette sold for $22,860 in 2023. Collectors are often willing to pay a large premium for both new Hermès colors and basic neutrals that are store fresh bags from a recent 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 Pochette clutches that have some minor wear sell for between 1-2x retail depending on the color and condition. Ombre Lizard is most expensive Kelly Pochette on the secondary market and generally sells for more than $60,000. A store fresh Crocodile or Alligator Kelly Pochette can also sell for more than $50,000 depending on the color.
Advantages to Collecting Hermès on the Secondary Market
There are many advantages to buying Hermès bags at Sotheby's. As one of the largest and most established global luxury secondary markets, Sotheby's offers clients many unique advantages when growing an Hermès collection.
1. Access
Sotheby's is able to provide access to some of the most exceptional Hermès bags through its long established global network of sellers. Sotheby's is one of the few global luxury marketplaces that sells rare and impressive Hermès bags exceeding $100,000 in addition to classic leather Birkin and Kelly bags in store fresh condition. Our Handbag specialists are always sourcing the best Hermès bags. Sotheby's global presence also means we are sourcing a wide range of Hermès bags including timeless classics, special vintage finds and rare limited edition bags. Sotheby's also regularly sells incredible private collections that can include custom designed Hermès bags. If you are looking to build a collection of Hermès bags, Sotheby's provides access to contemporary, vintage and one of a kind rare Hermès bags.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby's provides multiple ways to purchase Hermès bags. While Sotheby's is most known for its global auctions, Sotheby's also sells Hermès online and also in salons in New York and Hong Kong. Sotheby's also offers a concierge service if you need assistance sourcing a specific Hermès bag that isn't available at auction or marketplace. Another advantage to Sotheby's is access to desirable Hermès bags that are special order and limited edition.
3. Value
While Hermès bags in pristine condition sell at a premium to retail, Sotheby's has bags for purchase at auction and marketplace in a range of the most desirable colors and materials. Secondary marketplaces like Sotheby's allow a buyer to purchase a store fresh pristine Hermès bag with the original box and all plastic still on the hardware without waiting for a call from an Hermès sales associate. While it is possible to purchase a bag at an Hermès boutique, it is hard to predict how long it will take. Additionally if you don't have an existing relationship at the store, it is even harder to pick the exact bag including size, color and hardware. In many cases you may be offered an Hermès bag that may not be your desired color or size. Buyers also come to Sotheby's since they want to purchase more than two Hermès quota bags in a year. While we encourage you to build a relationship with an Hermès Sales Associate, Sotheby's can save you time when purchasing an Hermès bag.
4. Discovery
One of the best parts of a global luxury secondary market is discovering unique pieces from decades earlier and custom designed one of a kind items. Sotheby's curated selection is always changing since Hermès is one of the top brands at Sotheby's. Each auction has a unique selection of Hermès bags that may be familiar but a slight variation, never before seen design or a vintage treasure that has been on your wishlist for some time. Browse our latest auction or curated selection to get inspiration when building a collection of both contemporary and vintage Hermès bags. You are likely to discover something new to you from Hermès.
Buying and Selling an Hermès Kelly Pochette at Sotheby's
Sotheby's can assist with buying or selling your next Hermès Kelly Pochette. We have a carefully curated selection of Kelly Pochettes in pristine and excellent condition available for immediate purchase. We also often have a selection of rare and pristine Kelly Pochettes available at auction. We accept Kelly Pochettes for consignment in pristine and excellent condition.
- Browse Kelly Pochettes available for immediate delivery
- Explore upcoming jewelry at auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Contact a Handbag Specialist about selling an Hermès Birkin bag or submit your item here for valuation.
Trust our worldwide network of leading handbag specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
