Weekly Highlight: Kate Moss carries Hermès bag to the seashore
Headline: Iconic Hermès Kelly and Birkin Bags - Symbols of Luxury, Status, and Timeless Style
The Hermès Kelly and Birkin bags, two of the most coveted luxury handbags in fashion history, have captivated the world with their elegance, exclusivity, and enduring value.
Origins and History
The Kelly bag, originating in the 1930s, was initially created as a practical yet sophisticated handbag. Its illustrious history began when Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco was photographed using it to shield her pregnancy from the paparazzi, cementing its association with royalty and exclusivity.
The Birkin bag, on the other hand, was born in 1984 following a chance encounter between Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermès, and British actress Jane Birkin. Inspired by Birkin's need for a spacious yet stylish handbag, Dumas designed a leather bag with functional features, named after Birkin herself.
Design and Craftsmanship
Both bags are handmade by expert artisans, requiring at least 18 to 48 hours of meticulous craftsmanship. The Birkin bag, in particular, bears marks identifying the year, workshop, and artisan who created it, underscoring its exclusivity.
Fashion and Cultural Significance
These bags symbolize status, luxury, and timeless style, coveted by celebrities, fashion elites, and collectors worldwide. They are not only fashion accessories but also cultural icons—the Kelly bag associated with classic royal glamour and the Birkin with modern celebrity luxury and exclusivity.
Value as Fashion Investments and Collectibles
The limited availability, craftsmanship, and high demand have made these bags prized investments. The Birkin bag, in particular, has fetched record prices at auctions, with Jane Birkin's original prototype selling for €8.6 million (about $10.1 million) in 2025.
Celebrity Ownership and Usage
Celebrities like Dua Lipa, Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, Sofia Richie, Kendall Jenner, and even Cardi B have been seen carrying these iconic bags. While some celebrities keep their bags pristine, others, like Kate Moss, use their bags like regular items, reflecting their personal style and everyday life.
In conclusion, the Hermès Kelly and Birkin bags originated from distinct but illustrious histories tied to prominent figures. Both demonstrate Hermès’s heritage of craftsmanship and exclusivity, making them enduring symbols of luxury and highly sought-after objects for fashion enthusiasts and collectors, with proven value as investment pieces in the luxury market.
*Note: This article does not contain any information about the specific usage or condition of the bags carried by individual celebrities like Kate Moss or Cardi B. The focus remains on the historical background, design, and cultural significance of the bags themselves.
- The Hermès Kelly and Birkin bags, symbolizing luxury, status, and timeless style, have not only been embraced by fashion elites but also by celebrities worldwide, making them both desired fashion-and-beauty accessories and cultural icons.
- Fashion and entertainment intertwine as celebrities like Dua Lipa, Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, Sofia Richie, Kendall Jenner, and Cardi B have been seen flaunting these iconic fashion-and-beauty pieces, their personal style enhancing their celebrity-endorsed allure.
- The ongoing relevance and value of Hermès bags in the entertainment industry lie not only in their exclusivity and chic style but also in their ability to transcend fashion-and-beauty trends, offering an entertainment lifestyle that oozes luxury, nostalgia, and timeless appeal.
