Birkin vs Kelly: The Iconic Stories Behind Hermès' Most Famous Bags

Discover the fascinating stories behind the Hermès Birkin and Kelly handbags. From Grace Kelly to Jane Birkin, learn how these bags became the most sought-after accessories in fashion history.

Birkin vs Kelly: Two Icons, Two Legends

The Kelly: Royal Elegance

Originally designed in the 1930s by Robert Dumas as the "Sac à dépêches," the handbag later became forever associated with Grace Kelly. In 1956, a photograph of the Hollywood star-turned-Princess of Monaco using the bag to shield her pregnancy appeared in Life magazine. The image captured the world's imagination, and in 1977, Hermès officially renamed the bag "Kelly" in her honor .

The Birkin: A Chance Encounter

The Birkin's origin story is equally serendipitous. In 1984, on a Paris-to-London flight, actress Jane Birkin found herself seated next to Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermès. After her bag's contents spilled onto the floor, she mentioned her difficulty finding a leather weekend bag. Dumas sketched a design on an airsickness bag, and the Birkin was born—a spacious, elegant bag named after the actress.

Key Differences

  • Birkin: Two handles, more casual, open top with flap closure, ideal for everyday use
  • Kelly: Single handle, removable shoulder strap, structured silhouette with a front flap and strap closure, more formal

Both bags are exceptional investments. In 2025, Jane Birkin's original Birkin sold at auction for €8.6 million, setting the record for the world's most expensive handbag.

Published: March 2026