5 Things You Need to Know About Hermès Kelly Mini

The mini bag trend is still going strong! The Kelly Mini version is a very popular bag and has been seen on various celebrities such as Kylie Jenner or Chiara Ferragni.

Kelly is one of Hermès' most popular bags after the Birkin bag. Hermès describes Kelly as the "feminine Kelly captures the essence of masculinity to create a document-holder with elegant lines."

*Preloved Hermès from Madison Avenue Couture*

Hermès Mini Kelly dimensions

Also known as Kelly 20 or Kelly 2, the Mini Kelly has a 20 cm base and measures approximately 7.9 inches wide, 4.7 inches high, and 2.2 inches deep. If you travel light, this bag is perfect for you.

The strap size of the Hermès Mini Kelly

The length of the strap is proportional to the size of the bag, so be careful. If you are quite tall, you may not be able to wear your Mini Kelly crossbody unless you change the size of the strap. I watched several videos on Instagram saying that for a 170cm height, if you wear the bag crossbody, it will sit just under your breasts, which is quite a weird look that is not practical at all.

Chiara Ferragni wearing blue Hermès Mini Kelly 20
Photo credit: Chiara Ferragni

"How can you have a longer strap with your Hermès Mini Kelly bag?

Did you know that if you get the chance to be offered a 'Special Order' (aka S.O), you can actually ask for a different strap with a length that would match your height?

How to get your hands on a Kelly 2?

As you probably already know, Hermès has a quota system in place regarding three of their bags: Birkin, Kelly, and Constance. Hermès customers are only allowed to purchase one quota bag every six months. This way, Hermès preserves its resale value on the preloved market and the number of bags sold each year, making these three bags even more precious for those who get the chance to get their hands on them.

How can you get around the Hermès quota system?

Before, you could be flying in a foreign country, in Paris for example, and see if you could purchase a Kelly, as internationally the databases were not connected, so Hermès couldn't see your history with the House. Today, only VIP clients can be exempt from this rule. To be considered a VIP client, you have to spend over $100,000 USD. Another reason to consider the preloved market with a trusted retailer.

History of Mini Kelly 2

The Mini Kelly made an appearance for the first time in 1957, during an era when bigger bags were trending. It was a big hit when the Mini Kelly first appeared. Back then, the bag was produced with a mid-length shoulder strap, according to an article from Sotheby's, but didn't have any top handle. A top handle was added only a few years later in 1980, and this handle was round.

The Hermes Kelly bag is available in 6 sizes:

Hermes Kelly 20 mini
Hermes Kelly 25
Hermes Kelly 28
Hermes Kelly 32
Hermes Kelly 35
Hermes Kelly 40

Where does the Kelly name come from

The initial name of the Hermès Kelly bag was "Sac-à-Dépêches," which in French means a bag to carry your newspaper editions. Grace Kelly, a famous public figure and actress back then, was gifted the Sac-à-Dépêches for her last day on set in Hollywood before departing to Monaco. Monaco is a sovereign city-state and microstate on the French Riviera, a few kilometres west of the Italian region. It is a stunning place to visit if you get the chance.

Grace Kelly moved to Monaco as she was going to marry Prince Rainier III of Monaco in April 1956. A few months later, the princess appeared to be wearing the Sac-à-Dépêches everywhere she went. She was always carrying it on her forearm. In fact, she was hiding from the press her growing belly due to her pregnancy with the bag. The Hermès Kelly bag was officially named after Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco in 1957.

My favorite Hermès Kelly 2 is the Sellier Vert Amande Epsom Gold Hardware. I can't get enough of the Vert Amande. I think it is the perfect neutral color for year-round wear, day or night.

In conclusion, don't miss out on the chance to add the iconic Hermès Mini Kelly bag to your collection! This timeless piece has been adored by fashion enthusiasts and celebrities alike for decades. From its humble beginnings as a newspaper carrier to a must-have luxury item, the Mini Kelly is a statement piece that demands attention. So, take the plunge and make it yours. And if you're feeling daring, go ahead and request a Special Order with a custom strap length that fits you perfectly. You won't regret it!