Exotic kelly pochette — please help me choose

[ccloveh]

Hi!! I’m looking to get my first exotic kelly pochette from the secondary market. I have limited experience with H exotic leathers, I only have an alligator touch B25 so far.

Which of these exotic leathers would you choose for a pochette? Also any input on the pros/cons and maintenance care for these exotic leathers would be appreciated. Thank you in advance!!

 

[lill_canele]

I come from very little personal experience and just basic self-research + discussions with SAs.

1) I have heard that Lizard (and Ostrich) is one of the easier exotics to maintain compared to others such as crocodile and python. Knowing myself, I would start off safe because I am not a careful person.
2) I have heard that croc can't get wet? Or are very sensitive when exposed to water, there will be watermarks.
3) I have heard that alligator is a little less high maintenance than croc, but of course, that will depend on the whatever process and finish the leather went through and it can vary.

Also, a little confusing when you say croc/alligator. Did you mean either/or?
Because they're not exactly the same animal..

 

[Christofle]

Hi!! I’m looking to get my first exotic kelly pochette from the secondary market. I have limited experience with H exotic leathers, I only have an alligator touch B25 so far.

Which of these exotic leathers would you choose for a pochette? Also any input on the pros/cons and maintenance care for these exotic leathers would be appreciated. Thank you in advance!!

I think it comes down to which scale pattern you prefer. Do you want tiny scales or larger scales? (Both can come in a matte or polished finish)

Both hides are very susceptible to water damage / discolouration from creams(and since the bag is a clutch this becomes something you need to be more aware of)

Look wise black lizard looks very edgy and blade runner esque while shiny croc / gator is very bold. Matte croc / gator is very nice if you want to have a more casual / understated look…

 

[ccloveh]

I come from very little personal experience and just basic self-research + discussions with SAs.

1) I have heard that Lizard (and Ostrich) is one of the easier exotics to maintain compared to others such as crocodile and python. Knowing myself, I would start off safe because I am not a careful person.
2) I have heard that croc can't get wet? Or are very sensitive when exposed to water, there will be watermarks.
3) I have heard that alligator is a little less high maintenance than croc, but of course, that will depend on the whatever process and finish the leather went through and it can vary.

Also, a little confusing when you say croc/alligator. Did you mean either/or?
Because they're not exactly the same animal..

Thank you for your input! I’m open to both croc and alligator as long as the scales are even 🙈

 

[papertiger]

Is it for evening or day? What are planing to wear the pochette with?

If it's for evening, lizard looks nice because it's shiny with small scales which will suit the size of the bag (small).

If for day, I like matte Alligator

 

[ccloveh]

I think it comes down to which scale pattern you prefer. Do you want tiny scales or larger scales? (Both can come in a matte or polished finish)

Both hides are very susceptible to water damage / discolouration from creams(and since the bag is a clutch this becomes something you need to be more aware of)

Look wise black lizard looks very edgy and blade runner esque while shiny croc / gator is very bold. Matte croc / gator is very nice if you want to have a more casual / understated look…

Is it for evening or day? What are planing to wear the pochette with?

If it's for evening, lizard looks nice because it's shiny with small scales which will suit the size of the bag (small).

If for day, I like matte Alligator

I appreciate both smaller and larger scales, just a bit OCD with uneven scales from other bags I’ve seen online and in person.

I guess I’ll go for lizard then. Don’t really have the lifestyle to wear exotic bags casually 🙈

Thank you for your input @Christofle @papertiger

 

[880]

some friends have told me that auction houses like Sothebys and Christie’s are not always accurate in their depiction of condition. I would not buy any bag unless you can inspect in person or there is an iron clad return policy (preferably both). Many here recommend @bababebi for authentication (pre purchase via photos)

It’s not on your list, but ostrich takes on color particularly well and is durable

ETA: I voted lizard. However, ring lizard while beautiful is prone to discoloration/ yellowing even in the best conditions.

 

[ccloveh]

some friends have told me that auction houses like Sothebys and Christie’s are not always accurate in their depiction of condition. I would not buy any bag unless you can inspect in person or there is an iron clad return policy (preferably both). Many here recommend @bababebi for authentication (pre purchase via photos)

It’s not on your list, but ostrich takes on color particularly well and is durable

ETA: I voted lizard. However, ring lizard while beautiful is prone to discoloration/ yellowing even in the best conditions.

Thank you @880 I will definitely check the bag in person.

I have a few ostrich bags in my collection hence looking to add other exotic.

 

[A bottle of Red]

I think lizard will be extremely elegant but they all sound beautiful!
Come show us what you end up with

 

[cavalpha]

I vote lizard.
For what it is worth, this is my 20-something year old Kelly Pochette in brown lizard (maybe marron?), purchased from Paris in the days when it was sitting on the shelf and anyone can buy it.
I use it a few times a year, not exactly frequent use but I’m not ultra careful about it when I bring it out and about. It’s looking a tad dry and maybe I could send it to the spa one day when I get round to it.

 

[ccloveh]

I vote lizard.
For what it is worth, this is my 20-something year old Kelly Pochette in brown lizard (maybe marron?), purchased from Paris in the days when it was sitting on the shelf and anyone can buy it.
I use it a few times a year, not exactly frequent use but I’m not ultra careful about it when I bring it out and about. It’s looking a tad dry and maybe I could send it to the spa one day when I get round to it.
View attachment 6181912

Wow it’s stunning! Thank you for sharing photo of your 20 year old beauty! 🤩

 

[demicouture]

I vote lizard.
For what it is worth, this is my 20-something year old Kelly Pochette in brown lizard (maybe marron?), purchased from Paris in the days when it was sitting on the shelf and anyone can buy it.
I use it a few times a year, not exactly frequent use but I’m not ultra careful about it when I bring it out and about. It’s looking a tad dry and maybe I could send it to the spa one day when I get round to it.
View attachment 6181912

Beautiful, thanks for sharing!

 

[hbr]

I vote lizard.
For what it is worth, this is my 20-something year old Kelly Pochette in brown lizard (maybe marron?), purchased from Paris in the days when it was sitting on the shelf and anyone can buy it.
I use it a few times a year, not exactly frequent use but I’m not ultra careful about it when I bring it out and about. It’s looking a tad dry and maybe I could send it to the spa one day when I get round to it.
View attachment 6181912

Perfection!! Thank you for sharing 💕

 

[Ladybaga]

I have a matte gator KP and love it. DH purchased it from our H store for my 50th bday in 2015. It is 10 years old now and just keeps looking better with each year. It has gotten very soft, too, with use. I avoid rainy days, but if it does start to sprinkle, I pull out a plastic bag, which folds nicely in the KP, to wrap it up. If I don't have the plastic bag with me, I tuck it in my shirt!

 

[ladysarah]

I vote lizard.
For what it is worth, this is my 20-something year old Kelly Pochette in brown lizard (maybe marron?), purchased from Paris in the days when it was sitting on the shelf and anyone can buy it.
I use it a few times a year, not exactly frequent use but I’m not ultra careful about it when I bring it out and about. It’s looking a tad dry and maybe I could send it to the spa one day when I get round to it.
View attachment 6181912

20 years ago? would that be when this design first came out then? I believe it was designed by Gaultier.

I have a matte gator KP and love it. DH purchased it from our H store for my 50th bday in 2015. It is 10 years old now and just keeps looking better with each year. It has gotten very soft, too, with use. I avoid rainy days, but if it does start to sprinkle, I pull out a plastic bag, which folds nicely in the KP, to wrap it up. If I don't have the plastic bag with me, I tuck it in my shirt!