Hermès Kelly Danse II in Etoupe Epsom Leather with Palladium Hardware
Multi-way Crossbody/Waist Bag; a slim, convertible clutch and shoulder bag silhouette. · Hermès (LVMH - Tier 1 Ultra-Luxury), designed by the Hermès family/design team.
Collection: Kelly Collection; Permanent 'Kelly Danse' re-introduction (Danse II).
Style
Multi-way Crossbody/Waist Bag; a slim, convertible clutch and shoulder bag silhouette.
Brand
Hermès (LVMH - Tier 1 Ultra-Luxury), designed by the Hermès family/design team.
Material
Veau Epsom leather (pressed, scratch-resistant grain) with Sellier-style structured construction. Edges are finished with dark tonal glaze (glazing/sangle) and machine/hand-stitched combination.
Dimensions
Width: 22 cm (8.6"), Height: 17 cm (6.7"), Depth: 8 cm (3.1"), Strap drop: 130 cm approx. (convertible).
Description
Originally launched in 2008 as a more causal, versatile version of the Kelly, the Kelly Danse is an ultra-rare find. Lacking the top handle of the original, it offers a sleek, minimalist aesthetic favored by modern collectors who value versatility.
Key Features
Absence of a top handle, elongated rectangular proportions, and a long strap that allows for multiple carry modes (waist, crossbody, backpack).
Material & Construction
Veau Epsom leather (pressed, scratch-resistant grain) with Sellier-style structured construction. Edges are finished with dark tonal glaze (glazing/sangle) and machine/hand-stitched combination.
Color & Pattern
Etoupe (a classic Hermès brownish-grey) with contrasting white stitching. Solid color with a cross-hatch leather grain pattern.
Hardware Details
Palladium-plated hardware (PHW) including the central 'touret' turn lock and two 'sangles' (straps) with branded 'HERMÈS-PARIS' engraving.
Interior Description
Lined with lambskin (Agneau), tonal to the exterior. Single main compartment with no internal zipper; usually features one interior slip pocket.
Closure Type
Hermès signature Kelly turn lock with two leather sangles and a turn-key mechanism.
Strap & Handle Details
Removable and adjustable long leather strap. Designed to be worn as a shoulder bag, crossbody, backpack, or waist bag.
Craftsmanship Details
Fine, consistent stitching with high stitch-per-inch count; perfectly beveled and glazed leather edges; precisely aligned hardware plaques.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetric sangle placement, crisp 'HERMÈS-PARIS' engraving with the hyphen, specific Epsom grain texture, and high-quality edge painting. Note: Physical inspection of blind stamps and zipper (if applicable) is required for certainty.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in France; handcrafted in one of the Hermès leather ateliers.
Era & Period
Contemporary Kelly revival (First introduced 2008, re-released/revived 2019).
Age Estimate
Circa 2019-present based on the 'Danse II' strap configuration and hardware style.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Quiet Luxury' movement and the evolution of the 1930s Sac à Dépêches into an accessible, multi-functional modern accessory.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good; visible scratching on the plaques, minor 'dog-earing' on the flap corners, and slight loss of structure on the left side of the bag.
Value Estimate
Secondary market value: $12,000 - $18,000 depending on stamp and condition. Retail is typically much lower but near-impossible to buy at boutique without history.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid heavy rain; clean with a dry microfiber cloth. Use a leather conditioner specifically for Epsom to prevent cracking at the flap joints. Store stuffed to maintain shape.
Similar Handbags
Kelly Wallet to Go (smaller, less depth), Hermès Kelly 20 (Mini Kelly - has top handle), Hermès Constance (different closure).
Interesting Facts
The Kelly Danse was discontinued for several years before its highly anticipated revival in 2019, making older models highly collectible.