Editor’s Note: Updated with new additional comparisons by @ariella_mom on July 17, 2023. Scroll down.

By @worldofcasaharris

kelly elan | hermes kelly elan | new hermes kelly | kelly elan review | kelly elan 2023

Image courtesy @worldofcasaharris

kelly elan | hermes kelly elan | new hermes kelly | kelly elan review | kelly elan 2023 | feather kelly elan

Image courtesy @savinachow

When Hermès reintroduces a handbag, you know it’s going to be amazing. In this case, I’m referring to the new Kelly Elan. We all drooled over this piece as it walked down the Hermès Spring 2023 runway for its debut. Or should we say re-debut. The original Kelly Elan was produced from 2000 to 2002. That short production run makes this bag extremely rare with limited leather offerings (mostly box and exotics). Among the popular features was a small strap on the back that allowed one’s hand to slide perfectly and very “chicly” through.

Hermes Preview for Spring/Summer 2023. Image courtesy @worldofcasaharris

Image courtesy @worldofcasaharris

The new Kelly Elan does not feature the strap on the back, however, it includes a removable shoulder strap. I’d say this is probably the most classic and timeless version of a true Kelly shoulder bag ever made. It is offered in chevre (my all time favorite), epsom and exotic leathers. Not only is this bag the most perfect Hermès shoulder bag, it also transforms into a very elegant clutch that can fit your essentials and more!

The current retail price is $9,050.

The most similar Hermès bag from a style perspective is the Kelly Danse. I personally prefer the Kelly Elan over the Danse because it has better structure, a more elegant frame, and a shorter strap. The benefit of the Danse is the multiple ways you can wear it – which to be honest, with a strap, you can replicate with the Elan as well ;)

So how does it compare size wise to other classic Kelly models? Let’s dive in!

Image courtesy @stellaw2021

Image courtesy @michellacc on Red

Image courtesy @michellacc on Red

Kelly To Go – $5,550 USD

Image courtesy @worldofcasaharris

The very popular Hermès “WOC” version of a Kelly has some similarities to the Elan such as the removable strap. However, the To-Go strap is substantially longer, allowing it to be worn crossbody, over the shoulder, and even as a belt bag. Like the Elan, most of the offerings are in epsom and chevre leather. The actual bag has compartments inside which the Kelly Elan does not, but it is substantially smaller and doesn’t fit much. I can fit my phone (fits much better without a case or pop socket) and lipstick, that’s about it. You don’t really need a wallet since this bag has card inserts and a zipper. I prefer the size of the Kelly Elan since you can fit substantially more and are not limited as to what to carry. I find it a much easier bag to carry as well. My vote – Kelly Elan is the winner.

Kelly Pochette – $6,500 USD

Image courtesy @worldofcasaharris

This has always been one of my most favorite “mini” Kelly models. Dare I say even slightly more than the classic Mini Kelly?! The Kelly Pochette is tiny but mighty. It’s usually offered in swift and exotics, although older models came in epsom. Like the Kelly Elan, this bag has no metal feet (you got us there Mini Kelly!) but due to its flat base, she can stand easily on her own – unlike her long lost cousin, the Kelly Cut. It does not come with a strap, but it does have a small top handle (unlike the Elan) making her very easy to carry. To most people’s surprise, this bag fits a good number of goodies. She is smaller than the Kelly Elan but is wider making the two overall very comparable when it comes to capacity. My vote – NOPE! I refuse to pick a favorite child!

Mini Kelly – $8,700

Image courtesy @worldofcasaharris

Oh, the Mini Kelly. One of the hardest bags to get that fits almost nothing, but we all love.The Mini Kelly is considered the most iconic “mini” bag made by Hermès and probably the best investment piece at the moment. This little beauty comes with feet, a top handle and crossbody strap.

You might think she comes with everything BUT she’s definitely lacking in the space compartment. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love mine. She is elegant and stunning. You also get the most leather selections (box, chevre, epsom, exotics, etc.). Sounds like a dream? Yes, until you realize the bag won’t really fully close if you put your phone (with case) inside AND you need a wallet for this bag since unlike the Kelly To Go, it does not have a zipper or multiple CC compartments inside.

As for the Mini Kelly’s crossbody strap, I usually remove the strap at night since I personally prefer handheld bags for evening events. During the day, I wear it crossbody and use my husband’s pockets to carry additional goodies. Do I love mine? Yes! Do I want more? Of course! Is there one coming…maybe.

Image courtesy @worldofcasaharris

BUT from a utility standpoint, the Kelly Elan actually does beat the Mini Kelly in my opinion. I can travel with my Elan and use it as a shoulder bag during the day, fitting everything I need to carry and simply removing the strap to transform her into an elegant clutch for the night. So, my vote: it’s complicated. Mini Kelly for the investment value and collectability but Kelly Elan for practicality, ease of use, and travel convenience.

Image courtesy @worldofcasaharris

Is the Kelly Elan on your wishlist? Let us know!

xo,
@worldofcasaharris for PurseBop

The Battle of the Elans

Constance Elan versus Kelly Elan Comparison by @ariella_mom

Constance Elan versus Kelly Elan. Photo courtesy @ariella_mom

Constance Elan

Capacity:

The Constance Elan measures 9.8″ x 3.1″ x 5.5″. So which Elan bag holds more stuff? At first glance I was convinced the winner would be my Constance Elan. But first impressions, especially when focused solely on the exterior, aren’t always accurate.

The Constance Elan has a divider inside, unlike the Kelly Elan with one compartment. I assumed that with the divider I would be able to have a more organized interior and fit more. Optical illusion is real.

I discovered they both fit approximately the same amount- all my essentials plus a bit more. A large phone, card holder, sanitizer, Kleenex, lipstick , mirror and pill box all fit in easily. When I tried my sunglasses on top, it was possible but highly discouraged. The bags would both stretch and be too heavy for the delicate straps. Strangely, It was easier to pack the Kelly Elan without the divider.

Straps:

While the Kelly Elan has a detachable shoulder strap, allowing the bag to be carried as a clutch, the strap is short, for shoulder use only. It is delicate so I would not over stuff the bag.

The C Elan has a double strap. Although it cannot be removed , the advantage here is that you can easily wear the bag crossbody by adjusting the strap length. Note: while this bag is discontinued, It is available in the secondary market for $16,000-$18,000.

Constance Elan versus Kelly Elan | new kelly elan bag

Constance Elan versus Kelly Elan. Photo courtesy @ariella_mom

Bottom:

Both bags can stand independently. The Constance Elan has a divided bottom of with its compartments. The Kelly Elan has a gorgeous clean bottom albeit without feet.

Aesthetics:

For me, Kelly Elan wins hands down when it comes to style. Its shape is angular and sleek – a classic Kelly look with a modern twist that works day to night. The brilliance of taking this previous iteration clutch and making it a perfect shoulder bag, reflects Hermès’ ability to design and redesign without losing the quality and essence. My only complaint is missing a longer strap to swap with if one wanted to use it crossbody. I assume over time Hermès will provide strap options. Apart from the short strap, this bag wins my heart!

The Constance Elan is a pretty bag too, more rounded and simple. As a result, it is less likely to suffer damage, much like its sisters the Constance 24 and 18.

Finally, I added a comparison photo with my vintage mini Kelly which holds a lot more than today’s version. Between those two, I cannot choose. The vintage mini Kelly holds less than the Kelly Elan but not a lot less. One must choose between a phone or a card holder, but the rest is pretty comparable.