Learn More About the Hermès Kelly Pochette, Our Favorite Clutch to Carry Now (2024)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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