Hermès Mini Kelly Review
Similar to previous handbag reviews on my blog, this one is structured around your frequently asked questions.
Bag Details
- Bleu Glacier and Bleu Pale Verso Sellier Mini Kelly
- Epsom leather and palladium hardware
- Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 5.5 cm
- Unadjustable 97cm strap (including clasps)
- Weighs 228g excluding the strap
- One large compartment and one flat pocket on the inside
- Four feet on the bottom
- No lock, key or clochette
What fits inside
The mini Kelly is a teeny-tiny bag with minimal capacity. So, unsurprisingly, I can just fit the essentials without stretching my bag: my Louis Vuitton key pouch, which houses my cards and keys, a lip balm and my iPhone 12 Pro (my iPhone 13 Pro Max does not fit inside).
Ways to carry the mini Kelly
The mini Kelly can be worn on the shoulder, handheld and crossbody. Using the mini Kelly crossbody depends on your height (I am 164cm) and the strap length of the mini Kelly. The strap length, including the clasps, can range from 85cm to 98.5cm; therefore, the shorter the strap length and the taller you are, the harder it is to wear the mini Kelly crossbody. I can just about get away with using my mini Kelly crossbody with lighter coats and clothing, as shown in the photo below. However, when I wear my thicker winter coats, the bag sits a bit too high for my liking.
Wear and tear
Considering my mini Kelly is only 11 months old, there is no wear and tear to report. However, I do “take care” of my bag by occasionally using a twilly and avoiding dark denim when I use it, so there is a minimal chance of colour transfer.
Size comparisons
Leather and colour options
The mini Kelly is available in epsom, box, chèvre and exotic skins. From my own experience, I have found that an epsom mini Kelly can be a little rigid when opening and closing. However, once you get the hang of it, it’s really no big deal. In terms of colour options, the mini Kelly comes in a plethora of classic and seasonal colours.
Price
The current price in the Eurozone of an epsom mini Kelly is 6150 Euros.
My thoughts on the mini Kelly
The mini Kelly is one of those bags you love because it’s so cute or loathe because you find it toy-like and impractical. I adore it not only because it’s cute, but I think it’s the perfect bag for shopping, casual lunches, drinks, dinners and events. However, if you tend to carry more than the basics when you go out, the Kelly 25 or 28 might be more suitable. Also, if you only plan on owning one Kelly bag in your lifetime, opting for a Kelly in a larger size for its versatility could be more sensible. Lastly, many of you asked me if I thought the bag was “worth it“. Truthfully, I think the answer to this is quite individual and could be impacted by the following elements. How much one intends to use it, the value one places on the craftsmanship at Hermès, and the delight the bag evokes when using it.
