ODE to Box Calf

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#1,291
fdc said:
Hi ladies (and gents),

I’ve been admiring your box beauties and want to get one for myself too. I’m eyeing some vintage box K28 and I prefer sellier for its structured look but haven’t found any in excellent condition at reasonable price in my area (European Union - so I won’t have to pay customs, if you see any please let me know).

I did find some retourne ones though but all of them are from the 70s-80s so I’m afraid they’ll get slouchy (they still look in pretty good shape on photos but the prob is I can’t see them irl before purchase).

I’d love to know from your insight, does retourne box Kelly get slouchy easily?

Thank you so much in advance =)

P/S: I attach here some photos of the bag that I mentioned above. Do you think she’s in good shape? The pics are not very clear I think but the owner doesn’t have others.

Also if anyone owns a navy box Kelly can post pics I’d really appreciate, TIA!

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I have sellier and retourné Box Kellys. One of the retourné bags is about to turn 70 years old, and it is not slouching, so I think you're safe - Box is pretty stiff! By its nature it makes a structured bag and retourné and sellier styles are more similar than in most other leathers.

Your seller should be happy to send you detailed images of the bag. If they can't, the bag isn't in their possession. That may just mean they are traveling, but it's definitely a flag.

Collector Square in Paris often has nice Box Ks at not bad prices, and you can negotiate with them.
 
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#1,292
periogirl28 said:
Since you are located in Europe I would just gently mention to your SA that you would love a Box Kelly Sellier. Sometimes it’s not the spend that matters, it’s the person who appreciates this special leather and there are not that many of us. Don’t be too worried as not all stores are that concerned with “qualifying for a quota bag”. The main thing I believe is to be considered for this precious item. Bon courage!
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Thank you, I’ve just casually bought some small accessories so haven’t had a SA yet, and I heard that new box bags are rare to come by these days is that true?

WhiteBus said:
A bag from 70s/80s is probably as slouchy now as it's going to get.
The seller should be able to provide you with all the photos you request.
If not, be suspicious.
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Thank you for your advice, the seller has other pics but she seems not the best pic taker ^^!

QuelleFromage said:
I have sellier and retourné Box Kellys. One of the retourné bags is about to turn 70 years old, and it is not slouching, so I think you're safe - Box is pretty stiff! By its nature it makes a structured bag and retourné and sellier styles are more similar than in most other leathers.

Your seller should be happy to send you detailed images of the bag. If they can't, the bag isn't in their possession. That may just mean they are traveling, but it's definitely a flag.

Collector Square in Paris often has nice Box Ks at not bad prices, and you can negotiate with them.
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Thank you so much for the feedback, wow 70 y-o such a lady!!
I’ve been eyeing some from Collector Square too but their prices are quite higher than individual sellers’ on marketplace platforms, but with them we can be totally sure of authenticity their expert is trained by Hermès, I’ve met him he’s very professional. I didn’t know we could negotiate with them, have you done that? How much would they normally reduce in %?
 
#1,293
New Box bags remain very rare currently but are slowly making a comeback. I was offered a Black Box Kelly 28 Sellier just last week in Europe so it’s definitely possible. This is likely because my SMs and SAs all know that Box is my favourite leather. I have Box in B/ K/ C and other designs including evening clutch and SLGs. My Marine Box Kelly Sellier is from 1981 and there is absolutely no slouch. It was almost pristine except for the dry handle and I purchased it years ago for USD 3300. Alas I was not the first owner, as I didn’t buy Hermes while a child! :biggrin: I recently sent it in and FSH SAV was very happy to carry out the minor refurbishment needed. Please keep us informed when you find your treasure.
 
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#1,294
periogirl28 said:
New Box bags remain very rare currently but are slowly making a comeback. I was offered a Black Box Kelly 28 Sellier just last week in Europe so it’s definitely possible. This is likely because my SMs and SAs all know that Box is my favourite leather. I have Box in B/ K/ C and other designs including evening clutch and SLGs. My Marine Box Kelly Sellier is from 1981 and there is absolutely no slouch. It was almost pristine except for the dry handle and I purchased it years ago for USD 3300. Alas I was not the first owner, as I didn’t buy Hermes while a child! :biggrin: I recently sent it in and FSH SAV was very happy to carry out the minor refurbishment needed. Please keep us informed when you find your treasure.
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Thank you so much, I definitely would!
Could you please post photos of your beauty or direct me to the post if you already did? I’m torn between navy and black: BBK is just so classic but navy is somewhat more special and less serious IMHO. This might be my only box Kelly for quite some time so I want to make sure that I’ll not regret ^^!
 
#1,299
#1,300
I was offered a 28 BBK and another Kelly in Epsom. Eventually decided on the Box because it was too beautiful and elegant to resist, despite the Box being quite a bit more expensive and seemingly more high maintenance. Now that I have my first iconic BBK, I'm wondering whether fellow readers here can point me in the right direction on how to care for BBK to make sure it ages beautifully with me :heart: For example, do I need to bring it to the Spa every few years or should I get some cleaning, conditioning, polishing products to do so? Thanks in advance and excited to be a proud owner of a BBK!
 
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#1,301
Voodie said:
I was offered a 28 BBK and another Kelly in Epsom. Eventually decided on the Box because it was too beautiful and elegant to resist, despite the Box being quite a bit more expensive and seemingly more high maintenance. Now that I have my first iconic BBK, I'm wondering whether fellow readers here can point me in the right direction on how to care for BBK to make sure it ages beautifully with me :heart: For example, do I need to bring it to the Spa every few years or should I get some cleaning, conditioning, polishing products to do so? Thanks in advance and excited to be a proud owner of a BBK!
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Just use it. Congrats!
 
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#1,302
Voodie said:
I was offered a 28 BBK and another Kelly in Epsom. Eventually decided on the Box because it was too beautiful and elegant to resist, despite the Box being quite a bit more expensive and seemingly more high maintenance. Now that I have my first iconic BBK, I'm wondering whether fellow readers here can point me in the right direction on how to care for BBK to make sure it ages beautifully with me :heart: For example, do I need to bring it to the Spa every few years or should I get some cleaning, conditioning, polishing products to do so? Thanks in advance and excited to be a proud owner of a BBK!
Click to expand...

In the Reference Section there are some threads giving advice on the care of various leathers.
 
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#1,303
Voodie said:
I was offered a 28 BBK and another Kelly in Epsom. Eventually decided on the Box because it was too beautiful and elegant to resist, despite the Box being quite a bit more expensive and seemingly more high maintenance. Now that I have my first iconic BBK, I'm wondering whether fellow readers here can point me in the right direction on how to care for BBK to make sure it ages beautifully with me :heart: For example, do I need to bring it to the Spa every few years or should I get some cleaning, conditioning, polishing products to do so? Thanks in advance and excited to be a proud owner of a BBK!
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Congratulations and may I know how much more expensive the Box is comparing to Epsom (in % for example)? TIA.
 
#1,304
fdc said:
Congratulations and may I know how much more expensive the Box is comparing to Epsom (in % for example)? TIA.
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I was offered a Box Kelly 28 earlier this year and it was over $13K USD before tax (I don't remember exact price). According to our price thread, Epsom Sellier 28 is $10,700 USD. Similarly, when the mini Kelly II came out, chèvre was $7700 USD but the Box calf one I bought was around $11K (I bought mine in London but my SM told me the US price).

So, like Barenia, it is not a trivial difference :)

There is always preloved :flowers:

KELLYREDsml.jpg
 
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#1,305
QuelleFromage said:
I was offered a Box Kelly 28 earlier this year and it was over $13K USD before tax (I don't remember exact price). According to our price thread, Epsom Sellier 28 is $10,700 USD. Similarly, when the mini Kelly II came out, chèvre was $7700 USD but the Box calf one I bought was around $11K (I bought mine in London but my SM told me the US price).

So, like Barenia, it is not a trivial difference :)

There is always preloved :flowers:

View attachment 5141003
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That is to did for.
 
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