It's no secret that Kelsey Merritt is a bonafide Hermès girl. A perusal through her Instagram reveals an enviable collection of the house’s most sought-after handbags—an exotic-skin Constance, multiple Kellys, and an array of Birkins in various sizes and leather finishes.
Most recently, while in Paris for fashion week, the 28-year-old model made a quick stop at the Hermès boutique to secure a piece she had been eyeing since last year: the Shoulder Birkin, a silhouette reintroduced in the brand’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection.
Kelsey Merritt Debuts a Brand New “Shoulder Birkin” at Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2025
In a TikTok mini vlog, Kelsey took followers inside her leather appointment at the Hermès boutique in Paris. There, she sat in a private VIP room where a sales associate presented her with one of the maison's latest Birkin silhouettes—the Shoulder Birkin, a revival of a design originally introduced during Jean Paul Gaultier’s tenure as creative director in the early 2000s.
"I first saw this bag when it came out on the Hermès show last year, and it immediately went to the top of my wishlist," the Fil-Am model narrated.
Essentially, the Shoulder Birkin reimagines the iconic top-handle handle in an east-west shape, which features an elongated yet more compact structure. Evidently, Kelsey’s version is crafted from the house’s signature brown Togo leather, finished with gold hardware—a sought-after and classic combination among the brand’s clientele.
In the same video, Kelsey elaborated on why she prefers purchasing Birkins and Kellys directly from the brand’s Paris stores. “Hermès Paris is the only place in the world where you can buy a Birkin or a Kelly without a spending record,” she explained.
For the unacquainted, buying Hermès handbags directly from the boutique is generally more cost-effective than purchasing from the resale market, where prices often exceed retail. However, securing a quota bag—such as a Birkin or Kelly—typically involves long waitlists and a highly selective allocation process, with priority often given to clients with established purchase histories. “It ends up being such a good investment when you buy it from the store,” Kelsey added.
About the “Shoulder Birkin” Bag, As Seen on Kelsey Merritt
The Shoulder Birkin, as seen on Kelsey, is a reissue of the original JPG Shoulder Birkin, first unveiled in Jean Paul Gaultier’s debut collection as Hermès’ creative director. Nearly two decades later, Nadège Vanhée, Artistic Director of Women’s Ready-to-Wear, reintroduced the silhouette for the Fall/Winter 2024 collection.
Given its exclusivity and newness, pricing details for Kelsey’s exact Shoulder Birkin are still unavailable. However, vintage versions from Gaultier’s era are readily available on the secondhand market. For instance, a model from 2006 resembling Kelsey's was auctioned for €30,420 (about P1.9 million) at Christie's.
A Gold Clémence Leather JPG Shoulder Birkin 42 (2006), €30,420 (approximately P1,900,854), HERMÉS, onlineonly.christies.com*
*Note: Some of the prices mentioned in this article have been sourced from authorized resellers and not directly from the brand's official website. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, it is important to note that prices may vary depending on the reseller and the region. We encourage readers to visit the official brand website or consult authorized resellers for the most up-to-date pricing information.
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