Nita Ambani and Shanaya Kapoor love the Hermès mini Kelly — find out how much it costs

A symbol of luxury and exclusivity, the Hermès Mini Kelly is a coveted accessory that often commands a hefty price tag.

New Delhi | October 8, 2024 12:25 PM IST

3 min read

The Hermès Kelly bag, a timeless icon, was one of the first luxury items to be named after a person. (Source: Shanaya Kapoor/Instagram, Varinder Chawla)

Fashion designer Manish Malhotra’s latest endeavour, a flagship store for his label, has made its grand debut at the luxurious Jio World Plaza in Mumbai. The star-studded launch event drew the who’s who of Bollywood, including a billionaire guest. Nita Ambani, whose family owns the Jio World Plaza, was among the notable attendees.

While Nita Ambani’s brat green sari turned heads, it was her prized Hermès Mini Kelly that genuinely captured the internet’s attention. The Reliance Foundation Chairperson carried the iconic bag in the soft shade of eau de nil, a timeless choice that exuded sophistication. But it was not just her. Interestingly, even Gen Z sensation Shanaya Kapoor was spotted sporting the same bag in the vert yucca hue.

A symbol of luxury and exclusivity, the Hermès Mini Kelly is a coveted accessory that often commands a hefty price tag. While the basic leather version can start at around $8,000, prices can soar into the tens of thousands, especially for exotic skins like alligators or ostriches, which Nita Ambani appeared to be carrying.

The rising star, rumoured to be making her debut alongside Vikrant Massey, graced the red carpet with her ethereal presence. Dressed in a pristine white Manish Malhotra sari with an embellished off-shoulder blouse and her trusty mini Kelly, she exuded the aura of a Grecian goddess.

Ananya Panday also carried an electric cobalt mini Kelly in a pared-down look.

The Hermès Kelly bag, a timeless icon, was one of the first luxury items named after a person. The inspiration behind the name was none other than the legendary Grace Kelly, the Princess of Monaco. Known for her effortless elegance, Kelly was famously photographed using the Hermès bag to conceal her pregnancy discreetly.

Since the mid-20th century, the luxury handbag landscape has been dominated by iconic designs like the Lady Dior, Boy Chanel, Fendi Baguette, and Hermès Birkin. The recent surge in the popularity of micro-bags has further solidified Kelly’s place as a fashion essential.

While the Kelly and Birkin share a common heritage, they possess distinct characteristics. The Kelly’s structured, angular silhouette contrasts sharply with the Birkin’s relaxed, slouchy appeal. Its refined elegance and formal sophistication make it the ideal choice for events that demand luxury without the casual vibe often associated with bags like the Birkin.

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