Small but Mighty Fine
The Hermes Kelly has lived a thousand lives since Grace Kelly made it legendary in the 1950s. From then on, itβs been scaled down, reimagined, and absolutely worshipped. The Mini Kelly and the Kelly Pochette are two of its tiniest descendants. Theyβre sisters, not twins. So, which is your mini-me? Letβs find out.
Graced by Grace Kelly
When Robert Dumas introduced the Kelly in the 1930s, it was a radical feminist symbol. It embraced the modern woman by giving her a roomier, hands-free handbag. The simple introduction of the strap transformed it from an accessory to an act of female resistance, marking a new era for Hermes.Β
Geometric and oh-so-glam, the Kelly was originally called the Petit Sac Γ Courroies. Its trapezium shape gave it a geometric glam and a one-of-a-kind aura. It flaunted a flap, two side straps, and a swivel. It wasnβt until Grace Kelly was photographed with the bag over her baby bump (to hide it, of course) that the Kelly was born.Β
Haute Tip: Learn all about Hermes Kelly bags here.
Meet Mini Kelly
The Mini Kelly made its first appearance in 1957. By 1980, Hermes refined the design with the rounded bracelet-style top handle that became signature to the Mini Kelly 20. The vintage Mini Kelly, sometimes called the Mini Kelly I, stood taller with a larger top handle. This version was discontinued in 2009, but the demand for mini handbags didnβt disappear with it.
Hermes heard the cries and delivered the Mini Kelly II in 2016. While still a size 20, the new version carries slightly different proportions. Today, itβs one of Hermesβ most fiercely hunted pieces. Unlike other Kelly sizes, the Mini doesnβt include a lock, key, or clochette.ββββββββββββββββ
Meet Kelly Pochette
The Kelly Pochette debuted in 2004 under Jean Paul Gaultier as a clutch take on the Kelly. Instead of shrinking the bag into a handheld version, the Pochette (French for pouch) was built to be a clutch from the start. The proportions shifted, the strap disappeared, and the structure softened. It became the houseβs most popular clutch almost immediately.
Style and Size
The Mini Kelly measures 7.5β x 5β x 2.25β. It keeps the Kellyβs trapezoidal shape, giving it a sharp, upright look. That structure limits capacity. The interior is narrow and takes planning. Your phone might not fit, especially with a case.
Haute Tip: Learn about the anatomy of the Mini Kelly here.
The Kelly Pochette measures 8.5β x 5.25β x 2.75β. Itβs wider and deeper than the Mini Kelly, with a more rectangular interior that handles essentials better. Phones fit easier. The bag is more forgiving, even though the size difference seems small on paper.Β
Haute Tip: Did you know thereβs another style of Kelly Pochette? Meet the Kelly Cut Clutch Pochette here.Β
Structure
The Mini Kelly is architectural with a rigid boxy silhouette. It almost only comes in Sellier, so it holds its shape no matter what.
Itβs also become an It Girl calling card to carry the Mini Kelly unclasped. While there may be a practical purpose (easy access for one), itβs mostly become a chic, nonchalant status symbol. The Kelly Pochette canβt pull off that move. It must stay closed when in hand, or the contents will spill out. While just as chic, itβs not meant for the casually open vibe.
The Mini Kelly has a tubular rolled-edge handle, one interior slip pocket, and metal feet at the bottom. The Kelly Pochette has a flatter, wider handle that sits lower on the bag, an interior patch pocket, and no bag feet. (Haute Tip: Feet or no feet, use a Handbag Hook to keep your Kelly elevated.)
Leather
The Mini Kelly shows up mostly in Epsom leather, which is pressed grain and incredibly scratch-resistant. Youβll also see Chevre Mysore and exotic skins that push the bag into serious investment territory.
The Kelly Pochette is most often found in Swift leather, which takes color beautifully but scratches more easily than Epsom. It also comes in Epsom, suede, and exotics like lizard, crocodile, alligator, and ostrich.
Styling
The Mini Kelly includes a removable strap, so you can wear it crossbody, over the shoulder, or carry it by the handle. It works during the day and at night. The Kelly Pochette is a clutch only. No strap means youβre carrying it by hand or tucking it under your arm.Β
Rarity
Both styles fall under Hermesβ quota system, which, like the Birkin, makes them nearly impossible to buy at retail without purchase history. Overall, the Mini Kelly tends to command higher prices on the secondary market, but the Kelly Pochette has a cult following of its own.
Carry a Kelly
You donβt need a purchase history or time machine to shop new, vintage, and rare-edition Kelly bags. You find your one-of-a-kind Kelly at FASHIONPHILE, whether thatβs a Mini Kelly, Kelly Pochette, or both. Happy hunting, fashionphile!
