Why did designers stop making Kelly-style bags?

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sonicxml

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May 1, 2015
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#1
I have been looking at vintage bags lately. It seems that a lot of luxury designers made Kelly-style bags in the past. However the closest ones I could think of now are Fendi peekaboo, and one of Dior's latest dioraddict bag. Did designers stop making Kelly style bags because they didn't want to remind people of Hermes, or maybe this style was not popular anymore?

(Pictures from googling)

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#3
The Chanel Coco Handle is pretty big right now and very Kelly-like.
Saint Laurent College bag is Kelly-inspired.
So is the Gucci Sylvie. Actually, Gucci has several bags with a top handle and flap closure like the Kelly.
I can see the Kelly in the Dolce and Gabbana Sicily as well, although the vibe is completely different, it has that handle and flap.
The Ferragamo Sofia is another one that has been around for years.

They are around. It's a classic style so I think designers will always go back to it.
 
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#4
catsinthebag said:
The Chanel Coco Handle is pretty big right now and very Kelly-like.
Saint Laurent College bag is Kelly-inspired.
So is the Gucci Sylvie. Actually, Gucci has several bags with a top handle and flap closure like the Kelly.
I can see the Kelly in the Dolce and Gabbana Sicily as well, although the vibe is completely different, it has that handle and flap.
The Ferragamo Sofia is another one that has been around for years.

They are around. It's a classic style so I think designers will always go back to it.
Click to expand...

I think it is a classic style, there are definitely many top handle bags around, but seems that the current bags have a longer flap which usually hits the middle of the bag. I'm curious if this is a trend or maybe I missed a lot of Kelly-inspired bags. I really love this style, Hermes Kelly is my dream bag however I do wish to find something that is well-made and more affordable...
 
#5
catsinthebag said:
The Chanel Coco Handle is pretty big right now and very Kelly-like.
Saint Laurent College bag is Kelly-inspired.
So is the Gucci Sylvie. Actually, Gucci has several bags with a top handle and flap closure like the Kelly.
I can see the Kelly in the Dolce and Gabbana Sicily as well, although the vibe is completely different, it has that handle and flap.
The Ferragamo Sofia is another one that has been around for years.

They are around. It's a classic style so I think designers will always go back to it.
Click to expand...
yassssss to ferragamo sofia!!!
 
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#6
I've actually seen quite a few on the market. I don't think they've stopped making this style at all. Many times I struggle with beautiful bags I love that are similar to a Kelly because I don't want to be mistaken for wearing a fake one.

Of course now, I'm drawing a blank on what they were LOL! But I do remember one of the latest Kelly similar bags I was (am?) considering the Valentino My Rockstud bag.IMG_9461.JPG
As I think of more, I'll post.
 
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#9
sonicxml said:
I have been looking at vintage bags lately. It seems that a lot of luxury designers made Kelly-style bags in the past. However the closest ones I could think of now are Fendi peekaboo, and one of Dior's latest dioraddict bag. Did designers stop making Kelly style bags because they didn't want to remind people of Hermes, or maybe this style was not popular anymore?

(Pictures from googling)

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Click to expand...

What is the name of the second bag you posted? I love the top handle Kelly inspired bags.
 
#12
I think it's just the cycles of fashion. Until the late 60s/early 70s, this was one of the most common styles. It was also considered to be more "proper," along with frame bags. My elderly mother, to this day, only hand carries her bags. Can't get her to even try a cross-body, even though I think it would be both easier and safer for her. The top handles are coming back, though.
 
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#13
I've seen a vintage croco leather in caramel/chestnut color with gold hardware that looks so amazing in Kelly style. I was so close to buy it but it doesn't suit my lifestyle. It was quiet tempting lol
 
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#14
sonicxml said:
I have been looking at vintage bags lately. It seems that a lot of luxury designers made Kelly-style bags in the past. However the closest ones I could think of now are Fendi peekaboo, and one of Dior's latest dioraddict bag. Did designers stop making Kelly style bags because they didn't want to remind people of Hermes, or maybe this style was not popular anymore?

(Pictures from googling)

View attachment 3808407
View attachment 3808408
View attachment 3808409
View attachment 3808410
View attachment 3808411
Click to expand...
I love this style!
 
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