Discover Kelly Lakis, the Zippy Little Update on the Classic Kelly
The Hermès Kelly is a masterpiece and is, by far, the broadest collection of the Hermès family, but one of the most coveted iterations of this iconic design is certainly Kelly Lakis.
Kelly Lakis has the addition of two front zip pockets and, in most instances, one rear, offering far more storage. To those who love its clean, boxy lines and demure simplicity, the Kelly Lakis can be a jarring addition to the family–perhaps even sacrilegious. But for those who see the addition of zipped pockets as a practical solution, Kelly Lakis is a modern and more relaxed update of the classic, much-loved design. Kelly Lakis also features a wider Amazone canvas and a leather strap.
“The bag is hailed as encapsulating Jean Paul Gaultier’s aesthetic: androgynous with an interplay of haute couture and street fashion.”
Like many of Hermès’ surprising designs, this limited-edition style was first requested by a customer as a one-off piece. In 2004, Hermès collector and customer, Lakis Gavalas, requested the addition of the front and rear pockets. Hermès CEO, Jean Louis Dumas, approved the design and in 2006, during Jean Paul Gaultier’s reign as creative director, it was released to the public. The bag is hailed as encapsulating Jean Paul Gaultier’s aesthetic: androgynous with an interplay of haute couture and street fashion.
Kelly Lakis comes in various sizes, materials and colors. Most commonly, you can find it in a combination of Toile canvas and leather. Rare bag hunters are always on the lookout for the full leather line of this limited edition collection, which tends to be snapped up quickly on the resale market by Lakis lovers.
