Public's perception of Birkin vs Kelly?

I'm originally from a small city in Germany, called Baden Baden. A city well known in Germany for its Casino and Thermal Spa's. Since I moved to Paris for work last August, I didn't really get a chance to go back home and take some time for myself - so I did last week, and decided on Saturday to go on a shopping day in Frankfurt with my family...

..In the past, I've had several reactions to my Hermès handbags, both positive and negative, but what happened on Saturday made me blush...

...While inside the Hermès boutique on the Goethestrasse, a male SA approached me, because one of his costumers wanted to have a close up look at my Birkin. She wanted apparently the same colour and leather combo but wasn't sure on the size, as she was quite petite compared to me.

All of a sudden my Birkin became the point of attraction inside the store, and I felt slightly uncomfortable but helpful at the same time. There were other women inside the store carrying Birkin's, but all in neutral colours, mine was the only one that stoop out.

On the same day, while shopping at other stores, my bag managed to score even more and more compliments..:blush:

Take it positively. You were a help to another customer and I am sure behaved very graciously in allowing her to have a real life look at what is a relatively expensive bag. It would have helped her make a decision on the size to order. At least the SA approached you. I have had other customers in stores reach out to touch my bags without asking first. I did notice that in Europe I tend to see more neutral bags being used compared to in Asia.
 
I agree with all points posted earlier.
I especially agree that a bag in a pop of color, always attracts attention as much as the lady who is carrying it.
Some ladies make a shopping bag look elegant and coveted :amazed:

That being said the Birkin (even HAC) style is very unique.
There are many kellyl inspired/lookalike bags from different brands : Delvaux (Le brillant and le tempete...) for some people who are not bag connoisseurs and addicts YSL muse 2 is similar too. I am also big fan of Delvaux bags - lived few years in Belgium.

i even found this bag that retails for less then USD.1000 (attachment)
I am not saying they are identical but they have the same look.
Ofc, the kelly is totally different craftsmanship and history.
 

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I'm glad this thread was revived. This topic has been on my mind a lot lately. Recently I've been looking at Delvaux bags too (at Barney's). The craftsmanship is great. Haven't purchased one yet. Anyway, here's what I wrote regarding B vs. K last month (from the ******** site):

"When it comes to my personal look, I’ll admit that I have different clothes in my closet that are at extreme opposites of the wardrobe spectrum. There is my every-day city look of all black, and then there is the tropical vacation explosion hiding in the back of my closet that is saved for when I’m on holiday (or maybe for when I meet up with ******** because she totally appreciates that kind of stuff). These are really different looks, and I feel like very different people when I wear them.

But since we had just been at the Hermes boutique, we were specifically focused on the distinct feel of carrying a Birkin vs. carrying a Kelly. Even though I wear my mostly all black city uniform with my Birkin and also with my Kelly, I feel different depending on which bag I’m carrying. Each bag gives me a particular kind of swagger.

Since I wear my Kelly with its strap, I adopt a different posture with it than I do with my Birkin. Even when used casually, my Kelly makes me feel a bit more polished. I catch myself making sure my hair is in place. I stand up a bit straighter. I feel cooler. I even feel just a teensy weensy bit French (but I know I’m not that cool). In contrast it seems that the Birkin has become so popular, and dare I say it, Americanized (especially through overexposure on reality TV) that I’ve shoved it to the back of the closet for a while.

However I must admit that with my Birkin on my arm I sometimes catch sight of my reflection as I pass by a window and think: WOW, look at that chic with the Birkin! Oh wait, that’s me. Something about that leather box on my arm has a major impact. I notice people talking to it instead of to me. Kind of like the equivalent of a guy looking somewhere he shouldn’t when talking to you, except I don’t get nearly as offended in this case.
Which one do I prefer? Definitely the Kelly (today anyway). Well, at least until I catch an unexpected glance of my reflection and start to drool over my own Birkin again."
 
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I just found this thread and am bringing it back to life. I have also noticed this where I live, Birkins get far more looks (very few people comment on purses here) while Kelly's go rather unnoticed. However, it seems now that it is even harder to get hold of Kelly's from Hermes, I wonder if they are even more popular amongst Hermes buyers thanks Bs these days? Thoughts? I am currently on the waiting list for both here but am told the B will come way before the K.
 
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I just found this thread and am bringing it back to life. I have also noticed this where I live, Birkins get far more looks (very few people comment on purses here) while Kelly's go rather unnoticed. However, it seems now that it is even harder to get hold of Kelly's from Hermes, I wonder if they are even more popular amongst Hermes buyers thanks Bs these days? Thoughts? I am currently on the waiting list for both here but am told the B will come way before the K.

Birkins remains more popular with newer clients, stores tend to order fewer Kelly making it harder to come by in general. The Kelly has grown hugely popular among regulars/long time collectors so it's even more competitive. When I was waiting for my first K my former SA told me the order ratio is like 5B to 1K in the podium orders.

I get looks with both bag styles but I'm going to assume that's because I dress rather casually. I'm currently addicted to Spin classes so I usually have my B35 on with full moisture wicking Lulu when I go to class after work.
 
Birkins remains more popular with newer clients, stores tend to order fewer Kelly making it harder to come by in general. The Kelly has grown hugely popular among regulars/long time collectors so it's even more competitive. When I was waiting for my first K my former SA told me the order ratio is like 5B to 1K in the podium orders.

I get looks with both bag styles but I'm going to assume that's because I dress rather casually. I'm currently addicted to Spin classes so I usually have my B35 on with full moisture wicking Lulu when I go to class after work.

Wow - thanks for the input that is interesting to know! That makes total sense then :smile: Any input on the most coveted sizes these days? Seems like the smaller sizes are hugely popular as of late (just given what I see in the prices @ the resellers). I guess the 35 will always be super popular, but guessing they produce more as well..? Would be interesting to know.
 
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Wow - thanks for the input that is interesting to know! That makes total sense then :smile: Any input on the most coveted sizes these days? Seems like the smaller sizes are hugely popular as of late (just given what I see in the prices @ the resellers). I guess the 35 will always be super popular, but guessing they produce more as well..? Would be interesting to know.

B25 is extremely popular ( I fell victim to that particular one). The 30 seems to be gaining a lot of popularity, and the 35 is a staple. K28 seems to be one of the most popular sizes lately, with the K35 not so much, from what I've seen.

I think both the K and the B scream Hermes. However, I don't think that carrying or coveting either makes one guilty of anything other than excellent taste [emoji41]
 
B25 is extremely popular ( I fell victim to that particular one). The 30 seems to be gaining a lot of popularity, and the 35 is a staple. K28 seems to be one of the most popular sizes lately, with the K35 not so much, from what I've seen.

I think both the K and the B scream Hermes. However, I don't think that carrying or coveting either makes one guilty of anything other than excellent taste [emoji41]

Amen to that :biggrin: I have both Ks and Bs (35s and 30s) and have interestingly enough been carrying my Bs around closed recently to give them a more discreet and elegant look (ala K) and have been quite pleased with the result :tup:
 
A friendly reminder having now deleted nearly two pages of drama and rudeness ... this is a public forum and people will not always agree with each other. However, we do ask that disagreements be handled respectfully. If someone is annoying you, put them on ignore. If forum rules are being broken, report the posts. Please don't get into a war of words.

Thanks.
 
A friendly reminder having now deleted nearly two pages of drama and rudeness ... this is a public forum and people will not always agree with each other. However, we do ask that disagreements be handled respectfully. If someone is annoying you, put them on ignore. If forum rules are being broken, report the posts. Please don't get into a war of words.

Thanks.

sorry Mistikat! :flowers:
 
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My daughter and I just got back from Disneyland and couldn't believe our eyes. One woman, dressed beautifully carrying a (35?) Ebene Birkin was walking towards the park. I complimented her on her beautiful bag, but thought "huh?", seeing a Birkin headed towards Disneyland. Well, inside the park, I spotted another one, in Noir!!!
A couple of hours later, we left Disneyland and were headed to California Adventure when we saw the woman with the Ebene Birkin walking across the plaza between the two parks. She was headed back towards Downtown Disney. She looked a little tired from carrying around that bag in 98*F/90% humidity weather.
Later yesterday afternoon I came across a woman in a Disney hotel carrying her Jypsiere. It looked nice, but it looked hot and heavy, too.
I think Hermes belong anywhere and everywhere, but I do kind of draw the line with Birkins and Kellys at chaotic amusement parks. I understand that Birkins and Kellys are "to go to" bags for some people, so I guess "to each their own"...