Claim to Fame: Big Names Tout their Hermes Bags

Obsessions take a lot of energy. And if your obsession is Hermes handbags, it will also take a lot of money. Owning one of these bags brings an undeniable sense of prestige and class. The Kelly Bag, the most famous Hermes handbag, is one of the most coveted bags in Hollywood. The Birkin comes in at a close second, enjoying a consistently high demand among celebrities. Together, these two Hermes purses generate considerable revenue and attention from Hollywood’s who’s who.

In airports, shopping malls, and everywhere else you can imagine, celebrities are spotted toting their Hermes bags. Below are some of the most notable sightings:

• Kelly Osborne: All dolled up in her signature dark apparel, with black-rimmed eyes, a black dress, and a black hat, Kelly was seen carrying a black crocodile Birkin.

• Katie Holmes and Suri: Like mother like daughter! Suri sported her own pint-size orange Hermes handbag, matching Mom’s perfectly. Katie was later seen wearing a classic black pencil skirt and red heels, accented by the rare burgundy Garden Party handbag. The handbag is the size of a common boarding bag, and with all the space it offers, Katie was ready for just about anything.

• Nicole Ritchie: Looking good enough to stop traffic in a pair of black leggings and boots, topped with a skinny tee and oversized hat, Nicole arrived for a defensive driving class. Her orange Birkin screamed for attention as the young star tried to stay under the radar.

• Britney Spears: Trying to stay incognito in her oversized sunglasses, the former worst-dressed pop princess made a statement with her classic Kelly Bag. Completing her look with a simple purple halter dress and her little doggie, Spears appeared calm, cool, and classic, even after a minor fender bender.

• Victoria Beckham: The former Spice Girl is known to have the largest personal Hermes collection, rumored to own close to fifty of the purses. Recently spotted in a basic black dress, carrying a rare Himalayan Croc Birkin adorned with diamonds, she confirmed her unofficial title of the “queen” of Hermes. Her favorite seems to be a white Birkin that she’s paired with everything from jeans and boots to white capris and a nautical-themed hoodie.

• Kelly Klein: Switching teams mid-stream, the former Mrs. Klein was recently seen working a powder blue Birkin with jeans, a black jacket and turtleneck, and a pair of black riding boots.

• Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: Proving that above all else she was a lady, Carolyn appeared on John Junior’ arm dressed in an elegant black dress. In her gloved hands, her Kelly bag served as a subtle yet elegant accessory.

• Jane Birkin: A chance encounter with Dumas-Hermes birthed the bag that would eventually be named after her, and would become one of the most popular Hermes handbags of the 21st century.

• Grace Kelly: The newly crowned Princess of Monaco was photographed in New York in 1956 carrying a Hermes purse discretely over her pregnant tummy. That Hermes bag would be renamed and forever known as the Kelly Bag, and now holds a spot among the top five bags rated by BagSnob.

The two Hermes handbags are quite different, though those differences are not always recognized.

• A Kelly bag requires 18 hours of work by a single craftsman for production.

• Hermes turns out 5 Birkins each week.

• The Kelly is closed at the top, and has one handle. It is considered a “formal” bag.

• The Birkin is open at the top, with two handles, and is considered a “casual” bag.