How to Identify an Authentic Hermes Mini Kelly - Exotic Lizard Skin Example
As a luxury fashion concierge, at Limelight Nova, we meticulously inspect and quality check various luxury items before they embark on their journey to new and eager owners. Among these treasures are the coveted Hermes Kelly bags.
We will be using this Authentic Hermes Mini Kelly 20 in Lizard Black Palladium Hardware to highlight key attributes of a traditional Kelly.
P.S: This particular mini Kelly is a rare piece to come by, and definitely one for the collectors…
How to Identify an Authentic Hermes Mini Kelly
1. The Mini Kelly Sellier Shape
Some of the most obvious signs include the bag’s overall shape. A Kelly Sellier bag will have almost a boat-like shape - narrow at the top and wide at the bottom - while fakes often have rounded edges. (This should not be mistaken for a Kelly Retourne, which too has a rounded edge!)
2. The Kelly Hardware and Detail
Another hallmark of authenticity lies in the bag’s detailing. The raised hardware detailing on the straps in authentic bags are defined and sharp, while fakes tend to be thicker and more rounded. Similarly, the hardware screws in authentic Kellys are hollowed out, while replica screws are often covered on the top and do not have the same level of detail.
3. The Hermes Leather
The quality of leather serves as another test. Authentic Hermes leather feels luxurious and well, like it is worth what it costs. Whereas fake ones may feel plasticky or flimsy and you will simply be able to tell that it is not true Hermes leather.
4. The Hermes Smell Test
In relation to the previous point: The smell of the leather is also very important. Authentic Kelly bags have a distinct smell of quality leather, Whereas a fake Kelly may smell plasticky and rather unpleasant.
5. The Hermes Font and Logo
The font: Counterfeit brands consistently encounter difficulties when attempting to replicate the fonts used on authentic Hermes products. Both the hardware font and the printed font should always match. Take a close look at this bag and compare it to other genuine images from online. The font on authentic hardware is lasered on with a single laser, whereas many fake brands use a dot laser. This difference may not appear straight to the naked eye and may require a magnifying glass to differentiate accurately.
6. The Hermes Kelly Serial Number and Blind Stamp
Hermes bags should feature serial numbers on the inside of the bag. These numbers should coincide with those on your receipt - the blind stamp. Stamps will have a letter indicating the year of release, which is not revealed until the first Hermes bag of that year is launched. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that the year matches the stamp letter associated with that year when making a purchase.
7. The Hermes Bag Studs
The bag’s ‘feet’: The bag’s bottom studs, or "feet," are always hammered into the Kelly by Hermes and are impossible to unscrew. So, if your bag's feet are flimsy, or can be unscrewed, it is likely a fake. However, some counterfeiters have caught onto this detail and have adapted their replicas accordingly.
8. The Mini Kelly Stitching
Hermes bags are handmade and the stitching is symmetrical. Although it may not be exactly the same between different variations of the same bag, each individual bag should exhibit symmetry and intricate detailing, which adds character to each bag. Counterfeits, on the other hand, are often mass-produced and uniform, so you can easily tell they have been made using a machine and not hand-stitched.
9. The Hermes Receipts, Hermes CITES Certificate and Hermes Dustbag
Next is all the accompaniments: Hermès’ current dust bag, since 2007, is a beige color of high-quality, durable cotton. Vintage authentic Hermès bags have dust bags made of tan velour, while newer dust bags are made of orange cotton flannel. The signature “Le Duc” logo on the front of the dust bag is encased in a double circle. On authentic bags, the logo is crisp, whereas it tends to be blurred on fake dust bags. The strings at the top of the dust bag should also be thick, durable, and secure.
In terms of all the official receipts, certificates, and other accompanying items that come with a bag, it's important to note that Hermès does not provide certificates of authenticity. Therefore, if your Hermes bag comes with one, it quite ironically indicates that the bag is fake. This should not be mistaken for certificates provided by official Hermes authenticators, who follow a similar process to this one to identify whether the bag is authentic, and will then provide their own certificate of authenticity.
If it is a bag with exotic skin, like this one, made of gator, lizard, or crocodile skin, it should come with a CITES certificate. This certificate is essentially required for traveling with bags made using Hermes exotic leathers and skins, so you definitely want to make sure you have it. And will most likely prove that your bag is authentic.
10. The Hermes Box Under UV Light
Finally, make sure to check what the bag comes in! The Hermes box can be one of the biggest signs. We saved the coolest tip for last: shining a UV light on an authentic Hermes box reveals something amazing! If your Hermes box does not feature this particular design, chances are it is indeed fake…
In Conclusion...
These are just 10 points to help you identify whether your Kelly is truly authentic. As mentioned before, there are numerous ways to distinguish between an authentic and a counterfeit bag, and we hope this article has been useful.
To ensure an authentic Kelly bag, the most important step is to buy from a reputable source and obtain appropriate receipts and invoices where relevant.
About Limelight Nova
Since 2008, Limelight Nova has played a pivotal role in the realm of luxury fashion and the global sourcing of rare designer items and luxury goods. Our services cater to some of the most prominent international celebrities and VIP clients.
For more information about these extraordinary pieces, contact us at info@limelightnova.com or via WhatsApp at +44 7771 892000. Learn more about us HERE and Follow us on Instagram @limelightnova to stay updated on the latest trends and hot fashion items.
How to Identify an Authentic Hermes Mini Kelly - Exotic Lizard Skin Example
As a luxury fashion concierge, at Limelight Nova, we meticulously inspect and quality check various luxury items before they embark on their journey to new and eager owners. Among these treasures are the coveted Hermes Kelly bags.
We will be using this Authentic Hermes Mini Kelly 20 in Lizard Black Palladium Hardware to highlight key attributes of a traditional Kelly.
P.S: This particular mini Kelly is a rare piece to come by, and definitely one for the collectors…
How to Identify an Authentic Hermes Mini Kelly
1. The Mini Kelly Sellier Shape
Some of the most obvious signs include the bag’s overall shape. A Kelly Sellier bag will have almost a boat-like shape - narrow at the top and wide at the bottom - while fakes often have rounded edges. (This should not be mistaken for a Kelly Retourne, which too has a rounded edge!)
2. The Kelly Hardware and Detail
Another hallmark of authenticity lies in the bag’s detailing. The raised hardware detailing on the straps in authentic bags are defined and sharp, while fakes tend to be thicker and more rounded. Similarly, the hardware screws in authentic Kellys are hollowed out, while replica screws are often covered on the top and do not have the same level of detail.
3. The Hermes Leather
The quality of leather serves as another test. Authentic Hermes leather feels luxurious and well, like it is worth what it costs. Whereas fake ones may feel plasticky or flimsy and you will simply be able to tell that it is not true Hermes leather.
4. The Hermes Smell Test
In relation to the previous point: The smell of the leather is also very important. Authentic Kelly bags have a distinct smell of quality leather, Whereas a fake Kelly may smell plasticky and rather unpleasant.
5. The Hermes Font and Logo
The font: Counterfeit brands consistently encounter difficulties when attempting to replicate the fonts used on authentic Hermes products. Both the hardware font and the printed font should always match. Take a close look at this bag and compare it to other genuine images from online. The font on authentic hardware is lasered on with a single laser, whereas many fake brands use a dot laser. This difference may not appear straight to the naked eye and may require a magnifying glass to differentiate accurately.
6. The Hermes Kelly Serial Number and Blind Stamp
Hermes bags should feature serial numbers on the inside of the bag. These numbers should coincide with those on your receipt - the blind stamp. Stamps will have a letter indicating the year of release, which is not revealed until the first Hermes bag of that year is launched. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that the year matches the stamp letter associated with that year when making a purchase.
7. The Hermes Bag Studs
The bag’s ‘feet’: The bag’s bottom studs, or "feet," are always hammered into the Kelly by Hermes and are impossible to unscrew. So, if your bag's feet are flimsy, or can be unscrewed, it is likely a fake. However, some counterfeiters have caught onto this detail and have adapted their replicas accordingly.
8. The Mini Kelly Stitching
Hermes bags are handmade and the stitching is symmetrical. Although it may not be exactly the same between different variations of the same bag, each individual bag should exhibit symmetry and intricate detailing, which adds character to each bag. Counterfeits, on the other hand, are often mass-produced and uniform, so you can easily tell they have been made using a machine and not hand-stitched.
9. The Hermes Receipts, Hermes CITES Certificate and Hermes Dustbag
Next is all the accompaniments: Hermès’ current dust bag, since 2007, is a beige color of high-quality, durable cotton. Vintage authentic Hermès bags have dust bags made of tan velour, while newer dust bags are made of orange cotton flannel. The signature “Le Duc” logo on the front of the dust bag is encased in a double circle. On authentic bags, the logo is crisp, whereas it tends to be blurred on fake dust bags. The strings at the top of the dust bag should also be thick, durable, and secure.
In terms of all the official receipts, certificates, and other accompanying items that come with a bag, it's important to note that Hermès does not provide certificates of authenticity. Therefore, if your Hermes bag comes with one, it quite ironically indicates that the bag is fake. This should not be mistaken for certificates provided by official Hermes authenticators, who follow a similar process to this one to identify whether the bag is authentic, and will then provide their own certificate of authenticity.
If it is a bag with exotic skin, like this one, made of gator, lizard, or crocodile skin, it should come with a CITES certificate. This certificate is essentially required for traveling with bags made using Hermes exotic leathers and skins, so you definitely want to make sure you have it. And will most likely prove that your bag is authentic.
10. The Hermes Box Under UV Light
Finally, make sure to check what the bag comes in! The Hermes box can be one of the biggest signs. We saved the coolest tip for last: shining a UV light on an authentic Hermes box reveals something amazing! If your Hermes box does not feature this particular design, chances are it is indeed fake…
In Conclusion...
These are just 10 points to help you identify whether your Kelly is truly authentic. As mentioned before, there are numerous ways to distinguish between an authentic and a counterfeit bag, and we hope this article has been useful.
To ensure an authentic Kelly bag, the most important step is to buy from a reputable source and obtain appropriate receipts and invoices where relevant.
About Limelight Nova
Since 2008, Limelight Nova has played a pivotal role in the realm of luxury fashion and the global sourcing of rare designer items and luxury goods. Our services cater to some of the most prominent international celebrities and VIP clients.
For more information about these extraordinary pieces, contact us at info@limelightnova.com or via WhatsApp at +44 7771 892000. Learn more about us HERE and Follow us on Instagram @limelightnova to stay updated on the latest trends and hot fashion items.