The name Hermès carries so much weight in the fashion world, its mere utterance conjures up images of wealth, exclusivity, and status. Mention the brand name to anyone and the first fashion item that comes to mind is probably the Birkin or Kelly, but with the rise of the trendy mini bag, celebrities are sporting a shrunken version of the classic staple. We're talking about a teeny, tiny bag that's a heavyweight in any bag collector's stash—the Hermès Mini Kelly.
The Kelly bag first made its appearance in the 1930s, when Robert Dumas created a women's bag with overlapping straps. Back then, it was called the Sac-à-Dépêches, and was meant to carry documents and newspapers. After Grace Kelly was photographed multiple times wearing the bag to shield her growing midsection (she used it to cleverly hide her pregnancy from the paparazzi), the bag was renamed Kelly in 1957.
Black Tadelakt Mini Kelly 20 Gold Hardware, HERMÈS, $32,600 (approximately 1,827,637.50)*, Sothebys.com
The mini version was created in 1957, but it wasn't until 2018 when its value noticeably increased due to a decline in production. With the rise of the mini bag trend and the redesign of the Mini Kelly 20 to Mini 20 Kelly II, it's safe to say this bag is here to stay.
Keep reading to see how your favorite stars are styling this teeny tote!
How Your Favorite Celebrities Are Wearing the Hermès Mini Kelly Bag
Maine Mendoza
Maine Mendoza artfully paired citrusy green and yellow hues to create a visually striking casual look. We especially love how her pointed toe heels match her bright yellow Mini Kelly perfectly.
Ivana Alawi
For Belo's anniversary party last year, Ivana Alawi sported an all-white look by Filipino designer AJ Javier. She paired the sultry ensemble with a delicate, baby pink Mini Kelly and finished off the look with a pair of strappy nude heels.
Pia Wurtzbach
In another white look, Pia Wurtzbach went the classic route and wore her ivory Mini Kelly bag with a form-fitting dress and understated accessories.
Kelsey Merritt
This photo is a prime example of the model's no-fail outfit combination: closet staples in neutral hues worn with a handbag that's stunning while still being subtle.
Heart Evangelista
Everyone is well-aware of Heart Evangelista's covetable fashion closet, and this bag is no exception. The ever-so-chic actor wore her black alligator Mini Kelly with a Cheetah Rivera slate gray dress with beaded hearts, and further upped the ante by piling on the accessories.
Jinkee Pacquiao and Janet Jamora
On a trip to Cyprus, sisters Jinkee Pacquiao and Janet Jamora stepped out in the cutest coordinating looks. Jinkee paired her pink Mini Kelly with a dainty lace dress and nude platform heels, while Janet matched her fiery hued Mini Kelly with an equally bold pair of fuchsia wide-leg linen trousers.
Maja Salvador
Proving that the Mini Kelly works for almost any occasion, Maja Salvador wore hers for a dressy, evening soiree while on a press junket in Switzerland. She kept the look clean by slicking her hair back into a low ponytail, and accessorized with diamond studs and a stunning pearl necklace.
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