Join us as PurseBop shares her initial impressions and experiences with the Kelly Danse during a trip to Paris.

5 Ways to Wear the Hermès Kelly Danse | kelly danse | kelly danse ombre lizard

PurseBop’s Kelly Danse in Paris. Photo by Despi Naka.

Kelly Danse’s Maiden Voyage to Paris Fashion Week

During my recent Paris Fashion Week adventures, I intentionally limited myself to just two bags – the newly revealed Bolide on Wheels, and the ombré Kelly Danse. However, it was the Kelly Danse who stole the show and quickly proved to be the perfect companion. This trip also marked the maiden voyage for my ombré lizard Kelly Danse, and what better place to debut it than the Hermès Spring Summer 2024 runway show?

Kelly Danse in Ombré Lizard before the Hermès Spring/Summer 2024 runway show

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Wholeheartedly relishing the experience of wearing it, the Kelly Danse took the lead as my go-to, whether I was heading to the Hermès show, presentations, or out to dinner. The ombré lizard skin’s neutral tone showcased incredible versatility, effortlessly complementing every outfit. The Kelly Danse wasn’t merely practical, it adapted to any occasion. While it didn’t make an appearance as a backpack or belt bag on this trip, I certainly enjoyed seamlessly transitioning it from a crossbody to a shoulder bag and even a clutch.

While the Bolide on Wheels of course had to make an appearance at the Hermès after party, and a trip to the atelier in Pantin – the rest of the time, the Kelly Danse was my trusted companion.

Could there be a resurgence of the production of the Kelly Danse lately, perhaps reflecting the renewed interest in this versatile style? With special editions, exotic variations, and the eye-catching fringe design, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the elegant Kelly Danse making a stylish comeback.

Still pining for that Mini Kelly? Well, you just might want to shift your sights to another in the Hermès Kelly lineup – the Kelly Danse. Quite possibly the most versatile Kelly style, you literally could dance all night with this one. After all, the French word “danse” translates to “dance” in English.

See: Rumor or Fact: Hermès is Changing the Rules

Image courtesy: @h.joie_

Originally designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier in 2008, the original Kelly Danse bag was produced only until about 2013. However, in 2019, Hermès re-introduced a bag known as the Kelly Danse II. The Danse, measuring at 6.6”x 8.6” x 2.5”, comes in swift, evercolor and exotic skins. It features two D-rings in the back, a 62.4” strap and Kelly touret closure.

Image courtesy: @lu1zamoda

The Danse’s ample space allows you to fit your cell phone, lipstick, and other essentials, making it ideal for on-the-go. With some adjustments, the Kelly Danse can be carried as a backpack, clutch, shoulder bag, crossbody or belt bag. Talk about versatility! Just don’t expect to fit actual books in there when you wear it in the backpack style.

Image courtesy: @junjunsquare

As its popularity and demand have grown, fortunately, Hermès announced plans to expand its workshop to make more Kelly Danse bags.

See: Hermès Expanding Birkin and Kelly Danse Production But… Will We See Bags?

Image courtesy: @vivid

So, you may be wondering at first glance, just how does this bag convert? Well, it’s all in the straps and how you affix them. Need more info? Our guide below will help you get the most out of the Kelly Danse with instructions on all five of the ways to sport the bag.

Backpack

Loop the strap through the D-rings.
Buckle the strap through the last hole.
Holding one end of the strap in each hand, criss-cross the strap to form a large “X”
This should form two separate loops.
Slide one loop over each shoulder.