Hermes Kelly Bag 28cm OR Chanel Reissue (2.55) 226?

[pikake28]

Happy Wednesday.....

I hope I am not out of line for posting this question here...as I wasn't sure how and where I can ask a question regarding 2 different designers. So I thought I would try to post here as well as on the Chanel forum. Please let me know if I should post this question elsewhere...

So my dilemma is that I am thinking of adding another special bag to my collection of coveted pieces. I currently don't own an Hermes or Chanel, I have been a Bottega Venetta gal for as long as I can remember and I do have some special pieces by Dior, Fendi & Prada. Therefore, with regards to trying to choose between 2 designers that I don't have any of their pieces in my collection makes it quiet difficult for me to choose....yes, unfortunately I do need to choose and can not afford to have both. In fact, if it wasn't for my birthday at the end of the month...I would not be splurging, so I've decided to treat myself

After much research and thoughts, I have narrowed down my selection to either the Chanel 2.55 in the 226 size OR the Hermes Kelly bag 28cm. Sigh...such a hard decision. As that is just the beginning of options....after that I will need to decide what kind of leather and hardware color....but I first need to put the cart before the horse lol.

I would welcome your thoughts, especially for those who do own both iconic pieces! Many thanks in advance for your help.....

With Gratitude.....

 

[Love Of My Life]

I personally prefer the option of an Hermes bag over the Chanel.
I am a Kelly girl.. I find the bag functional, timeless & simply forever.
I don't know what color or leather you are thinking of. It is not so easy to find a
Kelly 28 without a "spending" history at Hermes. Yes some are lucky with just a walk in..
but that is not the norm..
Happy Birthday as well

 

[jmen]

Unless you purchase a Kelly via a reseller, the likelihood of you getting one at hermes is slim to none. By the time you drop enough money into h’s coffers to be offered a Kelly, you could have a Kelly from a reseller. Tis sad but true. I used to be loyal to Chanel but honestly the quality is no longer top drawer. One thing in favor of a Chanel is they are easier to open and close; the Kelly takes practice and patience, not necessarily in that order but the Kelly is handmade and just timeless. Hermes is top quality and will spa their pieces when needed. My vote, Kelly all the way.

 

[CMilly]

I would vote Kelly for aesthetic, quality and versatility for handheld, shoulder carry or crossbody strap. Chanel is a limited warranty snd hermes will care for the pieces forever. If I could only have one, it would be the Kelly.

 

[bagnut1]

IMO these are apples and oranges. Which one appeals to you more? In terms of craftsmanship and quality, the Kelly wins hands-down but the 2.55 is a completely different bag in terms of carrying style and function. Also when you put your stuff into the 2.55 the chain is going feel very heavy when carried on your shoulder (even in the smaller 226 size).

 

[jen943]

Previous posters are all making excellent points on bag availability, aesthetics and functionality. As someone who has a black Kelly 28S with PHW and a black Chanel 2.55/226 with ruthenium hardware, I have to say that both bags are forever pieces in my collection. I enjoy carrying them both, but I think the Reissue is a more carefree bag for me. I don't hesitate to travel with it. I don't worry about it in the rain or in restaurants or on public transportation. I'm a little more fussy when it comes to my Kelly because it's an expensive bag that I had to wait for in typical Hermes fashion! So with that being said, I'm very careful with it. I'm always mindful of the corners, I want my Kelly to have its own seat in a restaurant, etc. Kelly is such a classic beauty - it's worth the effort!

I suppose my advice is to think about where and how you will carry the bag. Definitely search the photo libraries on this site - see if any particular color/hardware combination speaks to you. With Hermes, you'll really want to research leather-types as well.

 

[Baggieluv]

Both are timeless designs and certainly worth the price tag.

However getting a Kelly would be much more costly as you need to have some pre-spend. So if the pre-spend is not an issue, go for Kelly!

I assume 2.55 “should be” easier to get since the demand has dropped ever since their price increase in July.

 

[HMuse]

KELLY, no debate.

 

[odette57]

It depends on what your expected use case is out of the two. These bags are both gorgeous but serve different purposes. I once had a Chanel reissue 226 that I rehomed because it sat in my closet unused for 3 years. On the other hand - my default travel bag is a retourne K28. Another thing to consider is the exceptional spa service that hermes provides. I showed this particular bag to my SA because the turn lock has started to peel (from my usage) and we agreed to wait until it looked worse for wear before taking the bag for spa. Good luck!

 

[QuelleFromage]

I have owned both bags and loved them (currently only have Kellys, but I have a few in the 28 size). I traded my 226 reissue and regret it (especially because it was a bad trade).

As you know, very different bags. The Chanel sits closer to the body and the chain strap can loop to be a shorter shoulder carry. It also has an exterior back pocket which I personally love, although as phones get bigger and things like metro tickets disappear, it's not quite as useful.
The Kelly is a bit bulkier, but holds a lot more, especially in retourné. It has a non-adjustable leather strap (although it's detachable, so you can use other straps). The Kelly has a top handle and can be handheld, which is an elegant option. Neither is heavy but the Kelly will weigh a bit more.
The Chanel will hold wallet, keys, etc., but won't fit some things you may wish to carry every day like a mini umbrella, small water bottle, or shawl. The Kelly is a thus a better option if you are out all day.

To me the Kelly is more beautiful, and you can never go wrong with a Kelly (especially a black one!), but the 2.55 is my favorite Chanel bag. I would choose the Kelly if it's easy for you to get one.
Another thing I will say is that Chanel's quality IMO has dropped precipitously in recent years. Hermès may not always be perfect but the quality is still great and you have lifetime repair (I think Chanel is down to 5 years now?).

 

[hermeslady]

Kelly Kelly Kelly ! Timeless, always, forever, quality.

 

[tensgrl]

I too own both bags. The 226 is a wonderful size for me. It really fits everything I carry, such as a wallet, phone, small Goyard pouch (car keys, lipstick, pen, mints and small hand cream) sunglasses. The calfskin is durable while still beautiful and the bag is easy to open and close. My kelly 28 can carry all the same with a bit more room. However, I do not find the Kelly easy to get in and out of. It is the primary reason I prefer my Birkins. All that said, for me if you are able to get the Kelly without a large pre spend, I would do that 100%. My 226 is about 8 years old, and I do not think the quality is still there as it was in the past for Chanel. It is still a wonderful bag, but to compare it to the quality of the Kelly is not even close to equal. Resale value is an even bigger advantage in the short and long term for the Kelly. Neither is a bad choice. Good luck with your decision and Happy Birthday.

 

[ladysarah]

I have the smaller reissue ( not the 226) but same aesthetic- in terms of quality I have nothing but good things to say. There is also an outside pocket, which is very useful for train tickets and things like that. It can pack flat great for travel- and is in my view, a very chic option. Even so, I will be letting go of it as it hasn’t been used for years. I am now a devoted Kelly girl - can only carry one bag and most of the time the Kelly option fits the bill,

 

[SpicyTuna13]

It would be helpful to know more details on the bags you currently own. What kind of BV, Fendi, and Prada bags? Just to get a better idea of your style, your bags’ functionality, and what your collection may be missing.

I lean Chanel Reissue overall although I’m not a fan of double flaps. It’s easier to use, a good balanced size, is a bit quieter than its CC sister (guilty here), and is a classic. It does get heavy if carrying a lot though — — that chain strap can dig. Just curious, have you thought of a preloved jumbo single flap? Perhaps not your style, but I find it to be the best in this genre.

I own a few Kellys (28s and 32s, sellier and retourne) and will never buy another. As beautiful as they are, the closure is quite a pain. Same reason I can’t seem too invest in a Jypsiere. Now, I also won’t sell my Ks either. Lol. It’s a like/hate relationship (not love) for me, and I have to be in a certain mood to carry a Kelly. If you were thinking about a Birkin, then that would win for me hands down.

So, without knowing details of your current collection, my blind vote is Reissue 226. Good luck deciding — both are beautiful bags!

 

[_kiki119_]

I would def go for a Kelly even in the reseller/preloved market! it is a bit more than the reissue, but Kelly value retains and even increased overtime.

with a 2.55, it may be a good time to buy at preloved since the brand new price is so ridiculous and it doesn't retain its value like the classic flap.