The question of whether to acquire a Hermès Birkin or Kelly bag first is a luxury dilemma many aspire to. Both bags represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship, exclusivity, and timeless style, commanding exorbitant prices and significant waitlists. But before we delve into the modern-day frenzy surrounding these iconic handbags, let's take a step back and explore the rich history of Hermès, a house whose legacy extends far beyond these two celebrated designs.
Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès as a harness workshop in Paris, the company quickly established a reputation for exceptional quality and meticulous attention to detail. Its initial focus was on high-end equestrian equipment, a legacy reflected in the sturdy construction and refined elegance of its leather goods. This dedication to excellence is evident in the fact that by 1867, Hermès had already won its *second* First Class Medal at the prestigious Expositions Universelle, a testament to its unparalleled craftsmanship and innovative designs even at that early stage. This early success laid the foundation for the brand's future dominance in the world of luxury goods.
The evolution from harness maker to purveyor of luxury handbags was a gradual but significant transformation. The brand's expertise in leatherwork naturally extended to the creation of bags, and these early pieces, while not yet the Birkin or Kelly, laid the groundwork for the iconic designs to come. The dedication to quality materials, intricate stitching, and timeless silhouettes – all hallmarks of Hermès today – were already firmly established in this formative period.
The Hermès Kelly bag, arguably the older of the two iconic designs, owes its name to Grace Kelly, the Hollywood actress and Princess of Monaco. The story goes that in 1956, Grace Kelly, then pregnant, used a Hermès sac à dépêches (literally "dispatch bag") to shield her baby bump from photographers. This moment, captured by paparazzi, catapulted the bag to international fame. While the design existed before this pivotal moment, its association with Grace Kelly solidified its place in fashion history. The bag, originally known simply as the "sac à dépêches," was subsequently renamed the "Kelly" in her honor.
The Hermès Birkin bag, on the other hand, entered the scene later. Its creation is attributed to a chance encounter between Jean-Louis Dumas, then CEO of Hermès, and Jane Birkin, the British actress, on a flight in 1981. During their conversation, Birkin expressed her frustration with the lack of a practical, yet stylish, handbag large enough for her everyday needs. Dumas, inspired by her comments, designed a bag that would meet those requirements, resulting in the now-legendary Hermès Birkin.
This brings us to the central question: which to choose first – the Kelly or the Birkin? The answer, unfortunately, isn't straightforward. Both bags are exceptional, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal.
Hermès Kelly Bag: A Closer Look
current url：https://kropyk.e518c.com/global/first-hermes-birkin-or-kelly-73249