If you’re a fan of the Birkin or Kelly bags, these Hermès silhouettes may pique your interest
I don’t know about you, but the ultimate bag, in my view, is a Birkin. While iterations abound, it’s the Birkin 35 in Togo leather and palladium hardware for me. There’s something so enthralling about its construction, the way it exudes a certain je ne sais quoi. Maybe it’s also the endless TikTok scroll—watching creators rocking the silhouette—that makes me want to do the same. That said, patience isn’t a virtue I’m equipped with, and the Hermès game isn’t exactly built for instant gratification.
As the doom scrolling continues—a nightly ritual—other silhouettes began to emerge, each with its own quiet appeal. Because while the Birkin and Kelly may sit at the top of every wish list, Hermès has long mastered the art of creating bags that feel just as considered, only with a little less fanfare. And while they remain undeniably exclusive, some of these styles feel a touch more accessible, with a similar appeal and a less arduous path to actually getting your hands on them.
Kelly Cut
Introduced in 2008 under the direction of Jean-Paul Gaultier, the Kelly Cut reimagines the house icon in an elongated, East-West proportion. More envelope than the Elan, Dance, and Pochette, its one-inch depth belies a surprisingly functional interior, thanks to cleverly constructed accordion sides that expand just enough for modern essentials—think a large phone, cardholder, and keys.
Designed as an evening piece, it foregoes a shoulder strap in favour of its sculptural top handle or tucked-under-the-arm styling. Compared to earlier elongated interpretations like the Kelly Longue, the Cut’s crisp rectangular geometry and reduced vertical scale give it a more architectural, almost graphic sensibility.
Jypsière
Debuting the same year, the Jypsière feels like a synthesis of Hermès’ most iconic codes—part Kelly, part Birkin. Conceived as a crossbody messenger, it draws from the utilitarian spirit of a hunting bag while incorporating the house’s signature elements: flap closure, sangles straps, and turn-lock hardware.
Its rounded base and wide, adjustable shoulder strap lend a relaxed, almost off-duty ease, softened further by its full leather interior and French savoir faire. Rendered in several sizes, including a Mini introduced in 2023, it sees no gender, delivering the Hermès language in a more casual and versatile format.
So Kelly
Another overlooked variation in the Kelly lineage, the So Kelly transforms the icon into a softly structured bucket silhouette. Also a 2008 release—and recently reintroduced—it sports the hallmark details: the turn-lock closure and horizontal sangles—while elongating the form into a tall, sleek profile.
Known for its slouchy yet structured aesthetic, the bag typically comes in supple leathers like Togo or Clemence, which allow it to age beautifully while maintaining its shape. The 2026 revival subtly refines the design with streamlined leather strap detailing and the addition of a highly sought-after Mini size, joining the classic 22 and 26 iterations.
Herbag
Often referred to as the “little sister of the Kelly,” the Herbag is Hermès at its most quietly inventive. First introduced in the 1980s, its distinctive two-part construction allows the canvas body and leather top to be separated and interchanged—offering a rare degree of customisation within the house’s leatherwork tradition.
The modern Herbag Zip enhances this utility with the addition of an exterior zipped pocket and removable interior pouch, refining its everyday functionality. Crucially, it remains one of the few Hermès styles not classified as a quota bag, making it a more accessible entry point into the maison’s world.
This year, the introduction of the Herbag Zip 20 expands the line into miniature proportions, replacing the traditional top handle with a long strap for crossbody wear.
