Hermès Kelly 35 Review | Pros & Cons

[@funmatt26]

Great video!! Can you fit your laptop in the bag if the bag organizer is in it too? Or do you need to remove the bag organizer to put your laptop in?

[@nicolas_arst]

Thanks Jared! And great question. You can fit a laptop (a 11" Google Chrome or a 13" MacBook air will fit) in the bag with the organizer in it. Depending on what is in your organizer and with the laptop, it can be tight to close but your essentials with a laptop will not be an issue. Hope this helps!

[@hoaiviet-le]

Love the content. Love your bag. Trying to speak another language fluently is a challlenge but you did so well.

[@nicolas_arst]

This is so nice of you! Thanks so much for your kind words

[@gordonpaitimusa4566]

I love how mindful you are with this purchase. Great review! Can’t wait to see the patina on this baby.

[@nicolas_arst]

Thanks a lot Gordon!

[@danielxphi]

This bag is immaculate - I can’t believe it’s from 1992! The K35 fits your frame perfectly, the chocolate is *chef’s kiss* 😍, and the price you paid is absolutely a steal (relatively speaking). Loved hearing about your purchase process and your reasonings for purchasing this for yourself. You’re right - there isn’t many videos on KZbin about the larger H quota bags. Thank you for making this 😊 I’m more of a Birkin guy, but now you’ve convinced me to add a K32 on to my wishlist 😂

[@nicolas_arst]

Thanks Daniel! I know! 1992 and still looking amazing. I feel very lucky to have found this combo for this price. I love the Birkin too but have not settled on the perfect combo I would love to add to my collection. Maybe a sign that I can't justify it right now :)

[@danielxphi]

@@nicolas_arst totally understand. I came across a Birkin 35 in one of my dream combos on The Real Real a few months ago priced at less than retail and bought it within an hour 😂 definitely wait for the right combo that makes your heart sing. Fortunately, the bigger H bags are cheaper on secondhand markets right now - and I can see this changing once this small bag trend settles. Have you considered looking into the HAC 32?

[@nicolas_arst]

@@danielxphi Now I am so curious to hear which combo you picked for your B35?! And very good point about the HAC. I believe I am more attracted to this line than the regular Birkin. I have not considered the HAC 32 but definitely the large sizes.

[@danielxphi]

@@nicolas_arst I got a B35 in Epsom Leather, Retourne, Gold color with Gold Hardware for less than retail(!) Made in 2008 🥰 I haven’t had a chance to wear it yet because we’re still stuck at home, but it’s a legit dream combo. I also ordered a 7RP insert. Fortunately, Epsom is stiff so I don’t have to worry about the bag slouching much over time. I’m 5’6” and the B35 is the biggest I’d go for an everyday bag

[@nicolas_arst]

@@danielxphi congrats! It feels so good to find your dream combo right? I didn’t know that you could find Birkin in epsom retourne. I thought it was only sellier. I hope you will be able to wear it soon!

[@patsteimer1860]

New to your channel….so glad I stumbled across your videos! As a tall, big man myself it’s my dream to own a Kelly around that size and color, especially in box leather. What a thorough review! Handsome too! Thank you!

[@nicolas_arst]

Hi Pat, thank you for your nice comment! I can tell you that you will not be disappointed if you invest in a Kelly :)

[@KyleNowak]

Such a beautiful bag! Thank you for the detailed review. I think the Kelly is the best Hermes bag on men. I am 6’2 so i was unsure of which size would fit me, but I’m thinking the 35 after seeing it on you!

[@nicolas_arst]

You are welcome Kyle! I love the Kelly 35 as well but I have to say that I am getting tempted by a Birkin 40 now!

[@jdotcurtis]

Just found your channel today. Watched this and the Kelly wallet video and I love how thorough your descriptions are! So informative and the modelling shots help a lot when visualising on my frame. Génial!

[@nicolas_arst]

Merci Justin! I really appreciate your comment and I am glad my videos were useful!

[@jdotcurtis]

Are you able to link where you purchased the shoulder strap? Could not find on Etsy. Thanks!

[@nicolas_arst]

@@jdotcurtis I just checked and it seems like the page is not available anymore... sorry I am not sure what happened to them!

[@jdotcurtis]

@@nicolas_arst ah ok, thank you anyway!

[@captainhml3868]

Great video. Love Kellys and love your bracelets!

[@nicolas_arst]

Thank you so much!

[@Satine_Moisant]

Thank you Nicolas...ever since I saw your HAC video, I didn't know the name of 'Barenia' leather, now my dream bag is a Birkin 30 in smooth or Faubourg Barenia. ❣ Love how you styled the Kelly, it looks like an elegant briefcase on you!

[@nicolas_arst]

That is very sweet! Thank you very much for your comment. I’m like you, I’ll be happy with the smooth or Faubourg Barenia! I hope you will get one soon!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Oh I see - it is chocolate brown. It looked black in the last video, probably the light. Regardless of the colour, it is still an incredibly beautiful bag and I would be thrilled to have it! Thank you for the video!

[@nicolas_arst]

I used an old canon camera for this video unfortunately. Since then I upgraded so the overall quality is definitely better in my newest videos!

[@mhdluqman]

merci d’avoir fait cette vidéo.. c’est ce que je cherche tous les temps.. j’aime aussi bien ta vidéo de Loewe.. bisous

[@nicolas_arst]

Merci de l'avoir regardee et pour ton commentaire!

[@thebaggeek]

I’m going to do a video on which inserts I like to use and I originally got Jenny krafts but then watched purseonfleeks video where she said she had a felt insert originally but it created dents in her bag. I use a microsuede organizer now

[@nicolas_arst]

Good to know! So far I am happy with my Jenny Krafts but let's see how it goes. Thanks for your comment!

[@SP-nx8qx]

So, I'm a leatherworker and right now I'm making an exact replica of this bag as a gift to my wife. By "exact replica" I mean an exact copy down to the last stitch, same reinforcements, leather, hardware, and made with the same processes, tools and techniques as they use. Everything the same, the only thing I'm not going to put on is the Hermes logo because at the end of the day it's not an Hermes bag. And whoa, I can tell you, making this bag is a revelation. I've made dozens of leather bags before but nothing comes close to the amount of detail that those Hermes bags have. It's no exaggeration to say that they have selected the most difficult and meticulous way to make every single thing on this bag, they don't cut a single corner anywhere. Easily 3 full days of work for me to finish one. It's a great design and they execute it to perfection, no wonder these bags are still so popular and well regarded after so many years. Enjoy my friend :)

[@SP-nx8qx]

Example what I'm talking about: At the ends of the strap that you bought from Etsy there is some leather. Notice the edges of that leather, they are raw, right? This is very typical for cheap leather items. Now notice the edges of your Kelly bag, they are hand painted. That means sanding first, then paint with a tiny tool or an awl, then apply heat with an iron to level the paint, then a second coat, and maybe more sanding and third coat if needed, and all those steps with drying time in between. We're talking hours of work just for the edges, but that's the kind of detail that makes a properly made bag. If you want you can take the dog hooks from your strap to a local leatherworker and they can make you a properly finished strap to match your bag, it shouldn't cost you too much.

[@kyrag4295]

@@SP-nx8qx wow, your wife is so lucky to have such a husband😍. Tell us how she reacted to it!

[@saabguy8809]

Very informative! I love my Kelly 35 in Raisin!

[@nicolas_arst]

Thank you! I am sure it's a beauty!

[@elmitch5082]

Hi Nicolas! Can you share what Etsy store you purchased your brown strap through? I’m having the hardest time finding one and the same color for my black Kelly. I’m doing a two-tone look. Thank you!! Love all your review videos❤

[@KOBER4974]

Good morning Nicolas .Iconic kelly bag for a dandy man🎩⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🕶️

[@nicolas_arst]

Thank you!

[@KateJunita]

I love vintage Hermes Kelly. It reminds me of the late Lauren Bacall , so stylish and very 'lived-in'.

[@nicolas_arst]

I love the Kellys when they look used :)

[@KateJunita]

@nicolas_arst I have ever seen a 'fair conditioned' Hermes kelly (1950s? )in alligator skin selling under $8000!!!, and it looks so luxuriously in a nonchalant way.

[@christophers.3978]

Very helpful video! The Kelly 35 looks great on you! I was wondering if you might have a link to the strap that is sold on Etsy? And what you chose? Thanks!

[@nicolas_arst]

Thanks Christopher! I am glad my video was helpful :) Unfortunately, it seems like the brand I bought the strap from no longer exist on Etsy... sorry!

[@christophers.3978]

@@nicolas_arst No problem and thanks for your message! Hope to see more bag reviews! Again, I have to say that you rock the Kelly!

[@rmgid6890]

I just came across your video. I also was able to purchase a vintage Kelly 32 [Year 1990] in box calf leather and chocolate brown. Basically the same as yours, except the size.

[@nicolas_arst]

My favorite combo! Thanks for watching my video!

[@rmgid6890]

May I ask how long is the strap you had made @@nicolas_arst ?

[@rochellewilliams7108]

I have a Kelly 32 retourne. Its 60 years old and very Mary Kate Ashley and its so cool❤

[@nicolas_arst]

I would love to see it!

[@rochellewilliams7108]

Sure, let me know!

[@TiwaDidThat]

JAW DROPPED when you said box leather! What a beautiful find, very lucky 😵‍💫🧡🧡🫡! Also should you ever want to Hermes can restore that bag almost to perfect condition! Just another benefit of that very unique leather 🥲🥹

[@nicolas_arst]

Thank you!! It’s been a year since I purchased it and I’m still loving it like the first day I received it! The problem is that I want more colors now :)

[@BarakTomlin]

What size length and width is your stap? Thank you

[@SiedlerAesthetic]

Brilliant review, thanks for talking through all of these details! I’m considering buying a Kelly 35 and using it for work too - but I’m a bit worried about carrying a laptop in it in case it will misshape the bag when carrying heavy items in it every day.. I have a Birkin 35 but that one obvi doesn’t have a shoulder strap, and for a work bag I need a shoulder strap haha.. What is your take on carrying a laptop in the Kelly 35? Have you seen any sign of your bag getting misshapen from carrying heavy items in it? And lastly, sorry for leaving such a lengthy comment lol 😂

[@nicolas_arst]

Thanks a lot for your comment Siedler! That's a very valid concern. I personally have a 13 inches laptop and, even if I thought I will mainly carry it in my Kelly I stopped doing it. The base of the handle was starting to get damaged due to weight of the laptop in the bag. If your laptop is smaller and light you may still be able to carry it in your Kelly though. I didn't see any sign of the bag getting misshappen on the other hand (that might be link to the leather of my bag, it could be different with a more souple leather like Togo). I hope this helps!

[@SiedlerAesthetic]

@@nicolas_arst thanks for your reply! I was looking in to getting a Togo Kelly and I can imagine that showing even more signs of wear than the box leather.. Good to know - well I have basically the same computer so sounds like it might not be the best idea to use the Kelly 35 as a work bag. :/

[@nicolas_arst]

@@SiedlerAesthetic you are welcome! I was also disappointed when I realized it was maybe not the best bag to use to carry my computer. I’m thinking that the size up (kelly 40) might be a little bit more adapted…

[@SiedlerAesthetic]

@@nicolas_arst hmmm yeah the Kelly 40 might be better - however on my frame I’m afraid that bag will look like it is carrying me and not the other way around lol 😂 Maybe I will stick to my Prada Double and Birkin 35 as workbags after all..

[@nicolas_arst]

@@SiedlerAesthetic haha yes I can understand. I am still wondering if it’s too big for me and I’m 6”1

[@MoniqueSinha]

Beautiful bag and such a great review.

[@nicolas_arst]

Thank you very much!

[@louiswoo6764]

Nice review! Now that you have this Kelly, how would you say it compares to the Puzzle in terms their usage as a daily bag?

[@nicolas_arst]

Hi Louis, thanks a lot for your message. That is a great question. Honestly, I love them both as daily bags. The Kelly is definitely more formal and I can use it for work. The Puzzle is more casual in my opinion. Both can fit approximately the same amount. I hope it helps!

[@elmitch5082]

Do you find the purchased strap rubs the corner of the leather handles when you wear it on your shoulder?

[@nicolas_arst]

I actually do. This brown Kelly is currently at the Hermes Spa and one of the work they are doing is to add the D-ring (not present on bag made before 2000). This will limit this issue then :)

[@BarakTomlin]

What is the width and length of the strap? Thanks

[@wowensdale2245]

Hermes Vintage Kelly >>>> i need one 😍 some day...

[@nicolas_arst]

It's definitely worth it :)

[@lauralevylima3361]

Loved! Thks for sharing! 🌻

[@nicolas_arst]

Thanks for your comment :)

[@augustinechoy7043]

may I ask what Is the length of your strap?

[@iamlbba]

Coucou! There’s just something about a vintage kelly in box leather. Feels so luxurious and buttery soft. Your bag is in gorgeous condition considering it’s from 92. You did good for a lengthy video all in English for a French speaker from France 😅 Can’t wait for the next video. Just subscribed. Love your vibe. Ps Mai tai inserts are also great and 1/5 of the price of the 7rp ones (which in my opinions are totally NOT worth it) don’t hesitate to check it out ;-) ✨

[@nicolas_arst]

Thanks a lot for your comment and for subscribing! I have been in the US for almost 10 years now but filming an entire bag review in English came with its challenges! I appreciate your kind words! I didn't know the Mai tai inserts so I am glad you are mentioning it here. Take care!

[@iamlbba]

@@nicolas_arst mai tai est top honnêtement. Personnellement je n’oserais pas mettre une insert Samorga dans un sac hermès because it’s felt and it’s thick. Too scared of indentation on my bag 😱 I hope you haven’t experienced any issue though ☺️🤞🏾

[@nicolas_arst]

@@iamlbba Mine is from Jenny Krafts and I have no issue so far!

[@thisismarvinhello5078]

Coucou! Je voulais savoir où est-ce que tu l’avais acheté ton sac ? Merci

[@nicolas_arst]

Hello, je l’ai trouvé par un revendeur sur eBay. Je te conseille la ou Vestiaire Collective, Tradesy, the Real Real, peut être même Fashionphile mais je ne sais pas si ils livrent en France.

[@angelforceforyou]

It’s a beautiful classy Kelly retourne bag

[@nicolas_arst]

Thank you Yesh!

[@favsongs6762]

Hello Nicolas, how tall are you? I would like to see if the kelly 35 is suitable for as I am 180cm tall. Thanks

[@nicolas_arst]

Hello! I’m 183cm and it fits me great (in my opinion). I’m pretty sure it will fit you perfectly as well. I’m finding the size below (32) too small for me.

[@favsongs6762]

Noted thank you!

[@elletrelley6021]

Very beautiful 😻

[@elletrelley6021]

It is very beautiful, very beautiful … !

[@nicolas_arst]

Thank you!

[@calvintien1974]

Quelle est votre taille?

[@nicolas_arst]

6’1! (183cm)

[@calvintien1974]

@@nicolas_arst great I m 180cm and am thinking about a Kelly 35 black Togo for my collection. My SA told me Kelly 40 is really rare !!

[@nicolas_arst]

@@calvintien1974 I would love a Kelly Togo 35 as well!

[@djdbsmsrjsbsk2951]

.No matter the appearance or the metal parts of the #xbagy bag, I believe that as long as you are not a practitioner, you will never see any difference

[@ManningTaylor-l2t]

#mirbags luxury wallets are the epitome of luxury and sophistication. The leather is buttery soft and the design is timeless, making it the perfect investment piece.

[@biancashingles8225]

Thats a woman bag ....

[@nicolas_arst]

Says who?