Breaking Down the Newly Released Hermès Kelly Elan:

The moment I saw its debut during Hermès Spring 2023 Runway, I knew I had to see it in person. This bag has all the makings of the next Hermès “IT” bag—an elongated silhouette for practicality, the iconic sangles, and a detachable strap! How could I resist adding this to my handbag wishlist? After some time, I finally encountered it at my local Hermes boutique, safely tucked behind that infamous glass case (you know the one—where Hermès teases us with beautiful bags marked “for display only”). So close to the prize, yet thousands of quota dollars away from being offered one. Once I laid eyes on the Kelly Elan up close, I knew I had to source one for FashioNica.

Secured the Bag

Fast forward to today—I managed to procure one in mint condition, complete with a full set and box fresh. This particular piece is in my all-time favorite neutral color at Hermès: ETOUPE!! My cherished Birkin 25, which I acquired earlier this year, is also in this stunning shade, so it’s no surprise that I’m swooning over this Elan. The piece we sourced is made from the exquisite Veau Madame leather—a fine-grain calfskin leather celebrated for its durability and subtle sheen. Veau Madame is frequently used in Hermès bags, wallets, and small leather goods, particularly in designs that call for a sophisticated and structured appearance.

History Lesson

Now, let’s delve into the history. The Kelly Elan is a re-released bag, meaning the style was originally produced between 2000 and 2002. This limited production run makes the Elan a rare gem on the resale market. The key difference between the vintage version and the newly re-released model? They added a strap for practicality!

Secured the Bag

I’ve already envisioned all the places I could take this bag. It’s the perfect companion that transitions seamlessly throughout my day—whether it’s meetings, brunch, shopping, or traveling. And when evening falls, simply detach the strap and carry it as a clutch for date nights or weddings. The strap is the ideal length, effortlessly pairing with a short-sleeve tee or a chunky blazer, while still sitting beautifully at mid-length.

Hermes Kelly Elan Bag went viral earlier this month on our Tiktok hitting 1.5 million views!

@xofashionica it fit my agenda omg #designerbagsourcing #designerbagunboxing#luxuryhaul#bagunboxing#baghaul#handbagcollection#designerbagcollection#luxuryunboxing ♬ original sound - Nica

The Verdict

If you’re a FashioNica veteran, you already know my love for elongated handbags—for both their aesthetic and functional appeal. That’s why it just made sense to source one for FashioNica. This piece earns my forever stamp of approval—it’s versatile, practical, and a timeless design, all while adding a touch of elegance. It’s a piece that will quickly become a staple in any Hermès collector’s collection.