Iconic bags: Know your Kellys from your Birkins

What could possibly be the It Bag to be seen? Many will think of the Chanel 2.55 but ultimately, I think it will be a Hermes. Hermes is undoubtly famous for The Birkin bag, but many often forgot about The Kelly. They are almost a clone at 1st glance, but look deeper and you will see some differences in them. "For the uninitiated, these bags, which start at about $7,000 and $25,000 depending on hide and hue, are named for a duo of beautiful actresses. While both styles exude money (old, new, discreet, flashy), each signals to the world, or at least to an international pack of fashion hounds, a very different aesthetic and vibe. " (Hermes v Hermes by Washington Post)

This lady needs no introduction. An actress and fashion icon in the 60s, Grace Kelly was a stunning face to look at. Little did one know that she later became the Princess of Monaco. Her death was an unfortunate one, in which involved a car accident.

Grace Kelly

Her legacy lives on, but not just after Hermes named The Kelly bag after her. It was created in 1892 (before Grace was born even) as a large saddle carrier (the French fashion house started out as a saddlemaker) but the bag was downsized for daywear in the 1930s.

Then in 1981, Jane Birkin, an actress, model, singer and now film director was spotted carrying an over-stuffed bag up a plane by Hermes. Hermes then created The Birkin bag, taking design and style cues from The Kelly bag.

Jane Birkin was a wilder and more of the artistic sort of bohemian girl

Both bags were painstakingly hand made by 1 single artisan each, who can take as long as 25 hours to complete (but hey, that's not too bad a deal. USD 1,000 per hour or making USD 25,000 per day)?!

The Kelly Bag

The Kelly's Clone, Birkin

Gals, what would be your choice? A Birkin or Kelly? I know many will say BOTH but here's some interesting facts if you chose either:

The Kelly Bag lover

"A woman who is going to wear the Kelly is of very erect stature, she comes from money, very good background, is extraordinarily educated, and life to her is one where she will be very inconspicuous. The Kelly is a touch more formal, a little more appropriate for an evening out, a business dinner, as a more refined look."

The Birkin Bag Lover

"The Birkin femme, "wears Manolo mules, a pair of jeans, a little Chanel jacket. She is the younger woman. The Birkin is more sporty, more casual. Often people use it as a briefcase, throw in a change of shoes."

Now you spotted the differences and are aware of the asociations each elude, which It Bag will you carry?