Constance 18 Chamkilight Metallic Doré vs. Kelly 28 Gold GHW – Help Me Decide!

Constance 18 Metallic Doré vs. Kelly 28 Gold GHW – Help Me Decide!

  • Constance 18 in Chevre Chamkilight Doré with Permabrass HW

    Votes: 29 48.3%

  • Kelly 28 Sellier in Gold Epsom with GHW

    Votes: 31 51.7%
  • Total voters
    60

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Q

qinwyl

O.G.
Aug 6, 2011
30
60
#1
Hi lovely TPFers!

I’m currently torn between two Hermes bags and would really appreciate your thoughts—especially from those who own either (or both!). Both are from the reseller route and in new condition.

A little background: I already have a Picotin 18 in Etoupe PHW, a black Herbag with GHW, and an Egee clutch in black with GHW. So these two styles would be new additions to my H collection.

Here are the contenders:

1. Constance 18 in Chevre Chamkilight Doré with Permabrass HW
What I love:
  • It’s such a special color—created to commemorate the Paris 2024 Olympics. It has a beautiful metallic glow: subtle, yet unique and eye-catching.
  • I love the idea of using this as an event or dinner bag—something fun, dressy, and rare.
  • The C18 size is super cute and practical for evenings out.
My hesitation:
  • Because of the metallic finish, I’m a bit worried about long-term wear. I remember reading here on TPF that metallic bags might show rubbing or dulling over time, but I haven’t seen many other posts or details about how metallic H leathers age. There’s just not much info out there yet.
  • Also, is this color truly a limited release for the Olympics, or will it continue in production? One of my biggest concerns is regretting not snagging it now—especially if it gets discontinued and prices may go up later on.
2. Kelly 28 Sellier in Gold Epsom with GHW
What I love:
  • The ultimate classic. Gold with GHW in Sellier is so timeless and elegant.
  • It feels like something I could use much more frequently—day events, casual brunches, and even for travel.
  • It’s structured, chic, and has been on my wishlist for a long time.
My hesitation:
  • Since it’s in Epsom, I’ve heard the flap can be a bit stiff to open and close. I haven’t owned a Kelly before, so I’m not sure how much that would impact everyday use.
  • Because this is such a classic combo, it might still be possible to get from the boutique (fingers crossed!). That’s my only pause with going the reseller route now.
So…
Which would you choose and why?
Would love to hear your thoughts if you own either bag—or if you’ve had experience with Chevre Chamkila, especially in metallic tones. Any input on durability or wear would be super helpful.

TIA for helping me decide! 💛
 
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#6
I love the idea of a metallic bag, but I get the hesitation about how the leather will wear ( my non H metallic shoes all look terrible pretty quickly). Also the huge H somehow ruins the elegance of the metallic and the bag doesn't seem to come together as cohesive for me.

The Kelly is very classic and ladylike but you need to be sure you'll enjoy such a style of bag. Is there anywhere you can try on a Kelly sellier to get a feel for ease of use?
 
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#7
Hmm, I think it's deciding whether you want an extra special piece or a cult classic.

I am generally about cost per wear and I love wearing and using my items. The more something sits on the shelf the more I dislike it until I can't stand it anymore and let it go.

The Chamkilight Doré is definitely that limited edition extra special piece. It is one of a kind and Hermes doesn't do metallics often so if you're looking for something special, then it would be a good choice.

However, metallics are not really my thing and I am that basic b, quiet luxury girl lol. Agree with others on my concerns with longevity of metallic leather.
It's funny because Kelly's are not my kind of bag, I personally find the silhouette too prim and proper for me (though I do love looking at them haha), but I'd choose the Kelly for that classic gold on gold combo. Between the two I know I'd wear the Kelly more and it would go well with my wardrobe.
I personally also love durable and structured leathers like epsom as they maintain the shape of the bag well for many years. It is very hardy against light scratches or grazes. The only issue to worry about is corner wear and you can't really buff scratches out (unlike box or smooth leather) and once you get a deep scratch that's not repairable, the leather piece would need to be replaced at the spa (or so I've heard). However, I generally do not baby my bags and accept the wear and tear with life.

Regarding both bags, if you can see one in person and try it on, I highly recommend. Bags with yellow colors can vary based on lighting and have various undertones. Sometimes metallic gold can have a slight green undertone but looking at other photos online that does not seem to be the case. Anyway, the point being, anything with a yellow or warm color can clash or compliment with your skin tone. I think it's a good idea to make sure that neither of these bags make you look too yellow, orange, or ashy.
Personally, while I don't have a gold leather hermes bag, I do have the gold leather in a kelly belt and bastia and I have enjoyed using them and the color works for my skin tone.

Good luck and happy shopping! :tup:
 
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#9
I would like to point out that actually the metallic gold color is not as bright as in the picture. It is by no means difficult to match, in fact it looks good with everything, however it is perhaps not quite the classic day bag. I don't like the sellier in 28 too much as the bag gets big and I find the retourne in this size more practical. I am also not a fan of epsom leather (Ok for minikelly or kelly 25). For all these reasons I would have no doubts about choosing constance. To finish, the gold color is a classic that can always be found in all Hermès handbag models, the doré metallic is not known when it will be reissued (for 2025 it will come out silver). Make a good choice, but must important, get the one you like best!
 
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#11
Definitely the C - a very special piece. If you are curious about the colour in person, here is my MK in various lighting scenarios. Hope this helps; I would absolutely pick the C and wouldn't be super concerned with wear over time any more than with the K28.
 

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#13
I'm not a C girl but LOVE it in dore! It's super cute and surprisingly easy to match. The gold is definitely not as bright as pictured.
Fun vibes when paired with jeans, yet a little oomph with dresses.
I would definitely recommend it!
 
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#14
I think both are amazing offers but ultimately you have mentioned really good points to consider.

Just some thoughts. It is true that for Metallic Chevre leather released (in the 80s I think), it was found to be too delicate and the metallic coating wore off from normal contract during use. Which is why Hermes took it out of collection until now. When I added mine last year, I was able to chat with my SAV (after sales) SA in Paris who was originally from the leather department. He kindly shared that they are now much more confident about this newer metallic leather but it does remain more delicate than Epsom for sure. Although it was released to mark the Olympics, it is not discontinued for now so... the future may hold some surprises. 😉

I have had no problem using my Kellys in 20/25/28 (in Epsom or any others leathers), I absolutely love Sellier Ks as well as Constances in 18/24 so I wouldn't be able to favour one over the other. 🤭

Looking at your current collection perhaps the Epsom Kelly would be a more wearable choice for you at present, it's an iconic combination and depending on your wardrobe and preferences, I think very versatile, with good cost per wear. As you mentioned, it is definitely available at boutiques with a bit of a relationship and some time. Good luck with your decision!
 
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