You all know I love bags, and if you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that I’ve finally pulled the trigger and bought my ultimate unicorn – the Hermès Kelly.
I wasn’t going to talk about this bag, but then I started seeing these Teddy Blake bags on Youtube and Instagram, and boy there were a lot of false claims being tossed.
From what I’ve seen, Teddy Blake sell these Hermès Birkin and Kelly replicas for about $600 a bag, much more affordable than the real deal. These bags are manufactured in Italy by Buti Pelletterie, a company started which in 1958, which is all peaches and cream until people started getting the idea that Hermès copied the Birkin design from Buti/Teddy Blake.
Yikes.
A Hermès History
I don’t know who started this baffling rumor, but let’s set some facts straight here. Yes the Birkin was officially introduced in 1984, but the design is modified from the Hermès Haut à Courroies, a bag first produced in 1892
The Kelly, whose design also originated from the Haut à Courroies, was later redesigned in the 1930’s as Sac à Dépêches. It became known as the Kelly after Grace Kelly was seen carrying it to shield her pregnancy in 1956.
So no matter how you look at it, both the Kelly and the Birkin were original designs by Hermès, way before Buti and Teddy Blake even came along.
Quick thoughts on Teddy Blake
I have no issues with Teddy Blake or people carrying their bags, I know not everyone can afford Hermès. From what I’ve read the quality is actually quite nice for the price, though only time will tell how well it’ll hold up.
What I do know is that 90% of the people who raved about them were influencers that got these bags for free and now…crickets.
My only issue with the brand are the people spreading false claims. Please don’t insult the history and craftsmanship of the original Hermès bags by saying they’re copycats, and don’t get nasty at the people who invest $$$$ in them.
Buying a preowned Hermès Kelly 28
So yes, I dropped $$$$ for my Hermès Kelly 28 because I’m a huge fan of the design and the fact that each bag is handmade by a single artisan. I’ve wanted it soon as I first laid eyes on it, and it took years of saving before I felt ready to make the splurge.
Because the Kelly and Birkin are nearly impossible to get in store, I opted for a pre-loved black Kelly 28 in box calf from Brand JFA, a reputable Japanese luxury reseller. It was pre-authenticated at the PurseForum, and then re-authenticated by Bababebi, a leading authority in Hermès authentication.
#Shoppingtip: Buying a preloved Hermès Kelly or Birkin? Pay with a credit card and be sure to get it professionally authenticated!
Believe it or not, this baby is from 1998 , yet she looks almost brand new. Goodness if only I could age this well #skincaregoals. Anyways, on to the details:
Functionality
My Kelly 28 goes with everything. I love being able to alternate between carrying it by hand or using the shoulder straps. You can also add twillies to the handle to decorate your bag, but most importantly, to protect the handle from wear. Bag charms are another great way to decorate the bag, and I’ve gotten some really cute ones on eBay!
Size
The 28 is great if you’re on the petite side or if you want prefer a more formal look. Despite its small size, it actually fits a good amount! The 32 is great for taller girls or if you just prefer bigger bags, and they also seem to be more common in the resale market.
Leather
Many vintage Kelly bags use box leather, which gives it that smooth structured look. I personally love it, but you can also find softer leather with newer bags. The box leather does scratch easily, though I’m fortunate in that this bag barely has a scratch on it.
Hardware
Mine is 24K gold, and it’s still super shiny with no scratches after 18 years! You can also get silver hardware, which is actually palladium, but they’re rare with vintage Kelly bags.
Price
Depending on the year, the size, the leather, the accessories available, and of course the condition, the price can range from $2000 – $10,000+ for the Hermès Kelly.
I will tell you that even for my 1998 bag, I paid closer to the higher end due to its excellent condition and the fact that it came with all its accessories, even the original box! Also, the 28 is slightly more expensive than the 32, probably because it’s less common.
I can’t speak for the quality of Teddy Blake bags, nor how long they will last, but I can tell you for sure that Hermès bags are no joke – the quality is truly exceptional.
If you love the Hermès Birkin or Kelly, I strongly urge saving for one if you can, its an appreciating investment that will be worth every penny. However, to each their own, buy whatever makes you happy, just don’t go spreading lies about another brand.
Whether you were interested in a Teddy Blake replica or the real deal from Hermès, I hope this post shed some light on the truth behind both brands. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!
If you want to learn more about Hermès bags, I highly recommend joining The Purse Forum and reading the threads in the Hermès sub forum.
The history of the Birkin and Kelly that you explained was very well written and informative. Even though I’m not a fan of Birkins and Kelly’s, I think it’s stupid that many would still like to make blatant lies and accusations about Hermes and their bags. However, I feel that the title of this article was a bit misleading since comparing the two of them would take more research on the aspect of the Teddy Blake bags. It just doesn’t make sense to say in your article that you’re comparing the two of them when it’s really just thorough research on one side but minimal research and assumptions on the other.
Its just a bag. Get over it. Not everyone can afford it and if some can, some would rather invest their money on other things that matter.
Do you not know how to read? I don’t care which bag you buy or don’t buy, my problem is with people making claims about Teddy Blake bags that are blatantly false. Perhaps you should invest your money on a reading comprehension course.
I’m not an expert but how do you know who you can believe buying online? Please help!
Read the reviews of the seller, and use Purse Forum’s free authentication services. Also if something looks too good to be true, it probably is.
This was very helpful , thank you!! I purchased the Teddy Blake Caty bag.. I am hoping it will hold me over while I stank my coins for a Birkin… I have to crawl before I walk ..
Thank you for a very intelligently and thoughtful publication re: the Hermes brand and some of their most iconic handbags. It still remains a mystery to many why the price-tag is in the 4-5 figure range-my husband is an aerospace engineer with NASA and Lockheed Martin (and he is one of the senior engineers building Orion Rocket Program heading to Mars!) – yet the quality thing is something he cannot wrap his head around. Thank you again for such a beautiful presentation of the history, the craftsmanship, and ib BUILDING the VALUE as to why we are so intent on the real deal!
Thanks for this article. I googled Buti handbags and saw this article. Really interesting.
Honey do you have nothing better in life than to insult ? I have stage III cancer and I pay 22,500 per month to stay alive. I’ve always wanted a Hermes Kelly bag, but given the choice of staying alive or having the purse, I chose life. Please don’t make me feel bad because I can’t afford the real thing. Don’t be so cruel or evil. It hurts and pain is not something I need more of. Trying kindness and love the world needs it
I’m sorry but how does my post make you feel bad? I simply stated the truth, that the Hermès was the original designer of the bags, not Teddy Blake. I never said anything bad about the Teddy Blake replicas, other than to point out these false rumors people have been spreading. Never did I belittle anyone who can’t or won’t buy an Hermès.
If you’re going to feel bad about not being able to afford a bag, take ownership of your own feelings and don’t blame them on others, and don’t use something as serious as cancer to justify your childish behavior. I would think something so life threatening would make you realize there is more to life than material goods, and to learn to appreciate what you have, not go griping at people on the internet about what you don’t have. I truly feel sorry for you.
I just have a question why Hermes don’t do anything to stop Buti to replicas and sell is in it lawsuit will be the righting to do to stop all of this rumors and the competition of it right.
That’s a great question and I think the issue is that Buti isn’t actually using the Hermès logo, so it’s not claiming to be an Hermès bag. Unless hermes has trademarked/copyrighted their bag’s design (which I’m not even sure is possible), there might not be ground for them to sue. This is just my guess though, but I agree, if they could they should do something about the issue.
Just wanted to add (even though this is years late) – Hermes has copyrighted the design of both the birkin and the kelly. I’ve actually found it in the US patents online. So even if a design doesn’t have their logo – they can refute it in court for being too close to their design. Some dupes on Amazon got removed for this exact reason.
Good to know, thank you for this info!
Girl, thank you for this article. I have seen so many deluded comments on YT complaining that there’s nothing original about Hermes and I was like beech? Hermes was around way longer. And obviously these people have never own or touch anything from Hermes, the quality is like nothing else in the world. Not even LV, not even Chanel. I am happy with my Kelly 40 and that’s that!
First of all your name and email totally made me lol, so thank you for the chuckle. And you’re very welcome! I felt the same way you did and it’s just frustrating to see people spreading these false facts, not to mention I’d hate to be the poor person who bought a Teddy Blake thinking it was the original Kelly/Birkin and then finding out that it’s actually just a replica :/
Hello,
Love your blog! I came across Teddy Blake on Pinterest and I loved his bags. Me too love the Birkin bag but can not afford it. I purchased the Vanessa bag, I love the fact is leather. I not stuck on name brands I just love a good leather bag!! Thank you again for the history!!
Thank you so much for your kind comment Shantay! I understand not everyone can or wants to buy the Birkin, so I totally get why Teddy Blake is a great option. At the same time, I still think it’s important for buyers to know exactly what they’re buying, hence the small history lesson :)
That bag is absolutely gorgeous. I’ve heard of the Teddy Blake bags and thought about purchasing one, but it has always been a hard decision. My favorite brand of bags are TheSak and Kate Spade.
Thank you so much Amber! I find Teddy Blake bags still pretty expensive considering what they are. I would much rather get a Kate Spade bag that has cute original designs, plus you know it’s a reputable brand with good customer service!
wooow! I had no idea that there’s another brand with similar looking Birkins and Kellys!
The more commonly seen as look-alikes birkins are from Mac Douglas in France.
Absolutely love your Kelly! It doesn’t look preloved at all. It looks like it’s all brand new! So happy for your purchase :D My friend was telling me to save up for one too, seeing how the value increase and the quality! But well— All the distractions that I’m seeing in Paris. I doubt I’d ever save up enough to get even a handle of Kelly, ha ;P
Omg. I think you may have changed my freaking life. The company you bought your Hermes bag from has an AMAZING collection of authentic bags online. Thank you so much!!!
Yay, you’re welcome!! While I’ve always had a great experience shopping with them, I would still get an expensive bag authenticated just for piece of mind :) Happy shopping!
Thank you so much Carol! It’s definitely my baby, and I feel very lucky to have gotten one in such great conditions :D I would be distracted if I lived in Paris too, heck I probably spent enough to buy a Kelly when I last went, and I was only there for 10 days! xD
You’d be shocked at how many Birkin and Kelly replicas are being sold in the US – quite blatantly too! I guess it’s not illegal because they don’t have the Hermès logo :/ I googled the Mac Douglas bags, and they do look like Birkins, but I feel like you can still tell the difference. With these Teddy Blakes (and other replicas), they look almost identical!