If you were to pick between 2 Kelly 28 Noir, which one would you choose and why?

[Yramnna]

Hi everybody! Just very curious and would love your expert opinions since I’m a Hermes newbie. From what they look like which is supposedly close to being pristine, which one would you choose and why?
1) Kelly 28 Noir GHW Ardennes leather Sellier Style (retired leather but beautiful and hardy per my research here on tpf)
OR
2) Kelly 28 Noir GHW Togo leather Retourne Style (bought 2022)
Thank you for your time and knowledge. Have a wonderful day!

 

[LVLVLVOE]

I personally prefer togo between the two but would advise you to try to see them in person first if you can (assuming you haven’t already). Even with a solid return policy it can just be a hassle with a big purchase like this. If that isn’t an option then try to find something else in ardennes and togo that you can see IRL. You might be surprised by how much you like or dislike something when you actually see it and I wouldn’t go off of the popular vote with anything H related. I can’t describe why I didn’t like ardennes but I just remember it was an immediate dislike for me. There was a dated vintagy sheen to it and it wasn’t soft or striking in any way to me vs togo is just immediately scrumptious.

 

[A bottle of Red]

Also do you prefer seller vs retourne?

 

[PursePrincessT]

That's a tough one... on the one hand I love a Kelly 28 togo retourne style and it's one that is on my list, but I would get that particular bag in a colour or other neutral personally because to me it's a more relaxed and casual bag and I never use black bags as casual bags (but that's just my personal preference). On the other hand, a sellier style to me is dressier and so if I were picking a black kelly specifically, I would probably pick a sellier style, so for me personally if those were my 2 choices, I would go with #1. If it were in any other colour though, I would pick #2. That's just my own opinion though.

 

[880]

I would attempt to try on a sellier 28 before even discussing the leather. The sellier style can be very polarizing. And, these days, some TPFers definitely find the 28 too large.

I am a fan of neither Ardennes nor modern togo (I find the latter to be drab and dull, and I own and have rejected recent togo bags from the boutique)

My top choice would be a smooth leather 28 like box sellier. I also like swift. Both take on color beautifully
i would also caution you to be very certain that you want GHW and with black, which can either look classic (IMO a good thing) or conservative (not as positive). It can also be very business attire, (Ardennes used to be a very popular and sturdy choice) and not as jewel like in this size and combo.

 

[periogirl28]

The way I see it, it basically boils down to whether you prefer Sellier or Retourne. Unless you are very, very particular regarding the leather, both are textured and so somewhat similar. I am not that particular regarding leather and carry a whole range from exotics to regular and Heritage. I use both Sellier and Retourne Kellys and mainly casually. I have owned a 32 Box Kelly which suited my friend a lot more so that's now in her care. And my two Black Kellys - Togo Retourne 25 GHW used very casually for travel and Chevre Sellier 25 GHW with a Casaque lining also carried casually. I think I could casually wear Black Box Kelly GHW in 28 even if it seems like a very formal bag. It's how you style it that matters and whether you feel comfortable with it.
Please choose the one which you find suits your personal style best, we cannot really advise without knowing you personally. HTH!

 

[WhiteBus]

all the advice in this thread should be captured and presented to anyone asking this? or that? advice

instead of giving personal opinions in favour of this? or that? posters have been presenting the questions that need to be asked to enable the original poster to arrive at the decision that is right for her

the few personal preferences expressed have been explained and that is helpful too

 

[QuelleFromage]

The way I see it, it basically boils down to whether you prefer Sellier or Retourne. Unless you are very, very particular regarding the leather, both are textured and so somewhat similar. I am not that particular regarding leather and carry a whole range from exotics to regular and Heritage. I use both Sellier and Retourne Kellys and mainly casually. I have owned a 32 Box Kelly which suited my friend a lot more so that's now in her care. And my two Black Kellys - Togo Retourne 25 GHW used very casually for travel and Chevre Sellier 25 GHW with a Casaque lining also carried casually. I think I could casually wear Black Box Kelly GHW in 28 even if it seems like a very formal bag. It's how you style it that matters and whether you feel comfortable with it.
Please choose the one which you find suits your personal style best, we cannot really advise without knowing you personally. HTH!

This is really it. Sellier vs. retourné is a major choice. Different styles that appear quite different when worn.

Also appears that this is a much older bag vs. a much newer one, which is a factor for many.

I have a black Togo retourné GHW. It is very classic, with all that implies - but a sellier GHW may be even more so.

 

[addiCCted]

If you want to look more relaxed and casual - retourne

If you want a hit more structure, formality or “edge”, sellier

 

[880]

Perhaps how you define or see your style might matter?

for me personally, sellier is both vintage and edgy chic bc of its architectural lines

But, retourne is more popular and considered by many to be the more modern choice

 

[Prada Psycho]

This thread caught my eye. Given I've been out of the H loop as far as bags go, I needed a refresher. Ran across this article that seems spot on to the OP questions. I'm not familiar with this company, so someone else can address that.

The Kelly Sellier vs. Retourne — Which One Will You Choose?

The Hermès Kelly Retourne and Sellier are similar in appearance, but there are significant differences between the two. Read on to learn what makes these two styles different.

madisonavenuecouture.com

 

[CTLover]

Hi everybody! Just very curious and would love your expert opinions since I’m a Hermes newbie. From what they look like which is supposedly close to being pristine, which one would you choose and why?
1) Kelly 28 Noir GHW Ardennes leather Sellier Style (retired leather but beautiful and hardy per my research here on tpf)
OR
2) Kelly 28 Noir GHW Togo leather Retourne Style (bought 2022)
Thank you for your time and knowledge. Have a wonderful day!

If it was me, I'd choose the Sellier style if it was either the first or only bag I would own. But that's me. I think the Sellier style is beautiful and classic. For daily use, or more casual use, the Retourne style is best. I have a Sellier Noir 28 Kelly, and I love it and use it all the time, but would actually like to also get a Retourne sometime in the future.

 

[CTLover]

Perhaps how you define or see your style might matter?

for me personally, sellier is both vintage and edgy chic bc of its architectural lines

But, retourne is more popular and considered by many to be the more modern choice

I agree, there is just something so beautiful and classic about the sellier. I often just put my sellier kelly on my dresser to admire like a piece of art.

 

[Yramnna]

Thank you all so much for your help and knowledge. Honestly I do love both styles. I like the structured and classic look of the sellier and that it’ll retain its shape for years. On the other hand, I also love the relaxed and cool vibe of the retourne. Since it’ll be my very first ever Hermes bag, I would love to know and be sure beforehand if I love the leather and the size before committing. I’m actually open and may even be leaning more towards a 25 size for I enjoy hands free crossbody carry sometimes. As for the leather, I would love it to be durable and not easily scuffed up. So I guess my hunt continues! I am most grateful to you all! Have a wonderful day!

 

[addiCCted]

Thank you all so much for your help and knowledge. Honestly I do love both styles. I like the structured and classic look of the sellier and that it’ll retain its shape for years. On the other hand, I also love the relaxed and cool vibe of the retourne. Since it’ll be my very first ever Hermes bag, I would love to know and be sure beforehand if I love the leather and the size before committing. I’m actually open and may even be leaning more towards a 25 size for I enjoy hands free crossbody carry sometimes. As for the leather, I would love it to be durable and not easily scuffed up. So I guess my hunt continues! I am most grateful to you all! Have a wonderful day!

If you see yourself getting a 25 and a 28, I’d get the 25 in sellier and the 28 in retourne