Hermès Stops North West from Getting a Rare Kelly Handbag
Kim Kardashian’s request to purchase a rare Hermès Kelly bag for her daughter, North West, was reportedly denied by the luxury brand. The incident was recounted by a former Hermès employee during an interview, shedding light on the exclusive nature of the store’s sales practices.
In her newsletter "Back Row," journalist Amy Odell shared the details of the shopping experience, highlighting the unique circumstances surrounding Kardashian, who is known for her extensive collection of luxury handbags, including Hermès pieces.
The insider, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, explained that Kardashian and her ex-husband Kanye West had requested a black Mini Kelly bag for North, but Hermès declined the request. “Not every celebrity got what they wanted,” the former employee noted, adding, “Kanye West and Kim Kardashian wanted a black Mini Kelly bag for North or something like that. And Hermès said no.”
The former employee speculated about the reasoning behind the refusal, stating, "I think at that point it goes through corporate, because if someone who’s that high profile wants something, then obviously they’re going to be photographed in it — and they don’t want just anyone photographed in it."
Normally, bags made from exotic materials such as alligator can reach significant resale values, with an alligator Mini Kelly typically retailing around $80,000. Hermès has a policy of not publicly advertising the retail prices of its handbags, which are generally available only to repeat customers, according to The Telegraph.
While North West has been seen with Hermès bags in the past, including a white version of the handbag in 2019, the recent request highlights the brand’s selective approach to sales, even towards high-profile clients. Kardashian shares four children with West, including North, Saint, Psalm, and Chicago. The couple was married from 2014 until their divorce in 2022.
