Is the Birkin 25 or Mini Kelly more rare and coveted?

Question:

Dear Pursebop, Which one is more coveted? The B25 or Mini Kelly? First of all, I’m very happy to have scored my first ever quota bag after many many years of trying to get one (in the end I scored one when I was traveling). From the very beginning, I’ve been very upfront with my SA that my number 1 preference is the B25 in gold hardware. Supposedly, he got me approved for the B25 but there was no availability at the time I was there. Hence, I was offered the mini Kelly instead. Although I understand how rare the mini Kelly is, and I do really adore how cute it is, I can’t help but be a bit disappointed that it wasn’t a B25. So I was wondering which bag is more rare? The B25 or the mini Kelly? Is the mini Kelly really more coveted than the B25? Thanks!

Dear Torn Between 2 Quota Bags:

The Birkin 25 is an extremely popular and highly coveted Hermès bag. Many, many people would love to be offered a Birkin 25. However, with inventory at unprecedented lows, it is very difficult to be offered any quota bag, particularly a Birkin 25.

On the other hand, a mini Kelly appears to be the rarest and most coveted Hermès bag at the present time. Although not the most practical bag due to its 20cm size, it is arguably the perfect evening bag and it transitions seamlessly from day to night. In actuality, the mini Kelly is adored by many Hermès lovers. It is possibly the number one most requested bag in Hermès boutiques.

Based on the prices on the resale market, the mini Kelly generally sells at a higher premium than the Birkin 25. Demand for a mini Kelly in the Hermès boutique is so high that it is often reserved for only certain customers with higher than average spend profiles.

However, each location and boutique has its own personality. Some areas of the US have smaller, less competitive Hermès stores where it may be easier to be offered a mini Kelly than a Birkin 25, such as in your situation. Other big city locations such as New York City and Beverly Hills are highly competitive and being offered a mini Kelly is akin to winning the lottery.

Regardless how rare or coveted a bag is, the important issue is do you love the bag you were offered? Will you use it, and does it have a place in your collection? It should not matter how rare or coveted a certain bag is as long as you love it. It is very likely that as soon as your SA gets a Birkin 25 in the color, leather and hardware you requested, there will be a Birkin 25 forthcoming. Be patient and good things will come.

Good luck with building your collection.

Read:

Deep Dive Investigation Into the Popularity and Values of the Hermès Mini Kelly 20