Delvaux Tempête vs. Hermès Kelly: Which one is better? [2026]

The Delvaux Tempête and the Hermès Kelly both offer impeccable craftsmanship and timeless design, but they appeal to entirely different luxury buyers. The Tempête is an icon of "quiet luxury," known for its modern, architectural lines and for being the choice of insiders who value heritage over overt branding. In contrast, the Hermès Kelly is a world-renowned status symbol, representing the pinnacle of exclusivity and serving as a true financial investment.

Here’s a clear look at how they differ to help you decide which one belongs in your collection.

Delvaux Tempête

The Tempête was designed in 1967 by Paule Goethals, inspired by the harness of a sailboat. As a creation of the world's oldest fine leather goods house, it embodies a unique blend of historical craftsmanship and modern, structural elegance. Its distinctive side clasps can be worn open or closed, dramatically changing its silhouette from a structured trapezoid to a more relaxed, fan-like shape.

• What it is: A highly structured top-handle handbag from the historic Belgian brand Delvaux, celebrated for its unique hardware and architectural profile.
• Key features: Signature side clasps that alter the bag's shape, clean modern lines, top handle with an optional shoulder strap, and subtle branding.
• Price: Varies by size and material, but generally ranges from $3,500 to $4,500 USD for standard leather versions.
• Materials/Construction: Handcrafted in Belgium using premium leathers such as box calf, with precise stitching and high-quality, polished hardware.
• Sizing/Fit: Available in several sizes, from a small clutch version to a larger PM (Petit Modèle) suitable for daily carry.
• Pros: A sophisticated choice for those practicing "quiet luxury," less common than other iconic bags, versatile styling with its adjustable clasps, and a more accessible price point in the high-luxury market.
• Cons: Lacks the widespread brand recognition of Hermès, lower resale value compared to a Kelly, and its modern aesthetic may not appeal to those seeking a purely classic look.

This bag is perfect for the luxury connoisseur who prioritizes exceptional craftsmanship and unique design over mainstream status symbols.

Shop this product: eu.delvaux.com/en/collections/tempete

Hermès Kelly

Originally named the Sac à Dépêches, the bag was famously renamed after Grace Kelly, the Princess of Monaco, was photographed using it to shield her baby bump from the paparazzi in 1956. This single moment catapulted the bag into iconic status, making it a worldwide symbol of elegance, refinement, and rarity. The Kelly is defined by its single top handle, trapezoidal shape, and signature turn-lock closure with a clochette and lock.

• What it is: One of the world's most sought-after and exclusive handbags, known for its timeless design, impeccable French craftsmanship, and status as an investment piece.
• Key features: Distinctive trapezoidal shape, protective metal feet, signature turn-lock hardware, a single top handle, and detachable shoulder strap.
• Price: Starts around $9,000 USD for standard versions and can exceed $50,000 for exotic leathers, often selling for even more on the resale market.
• Materials/Construction: Handcrafted in France by a single artisan using the finest leathers in the world, including Togo, Clemence, Epsom, and rare exotic skins.
• Sizing/Fit: Offered in numerous sizes, from the tiny Kelly 20 to the roomier Kelly 35, with the Kelly 25 and 28 being the most coveted.
• Pros: Holds and often increases its value over time, making it a sound financial investment. It is a powerful status symbol backed by unparalleled brand prestige. The craftsmanship is flawless.
• Cons: An extremely high barrier to entry due to price and scarcity. The purchasing process is notoriously difficult, often requiring an extensive buying history with the brand. Its status can attract unwanted attention.

This bag is for the collector, the investor, and anyone seeking the ultimate symbol of timeless luxury and exclusivity.

Shop this product: hermes.com/us/en/women/bags-and-clutches

Delvaux Tempête vs. Hermès Kelly Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

While both bags are structured top-handle styles, their aesthetics are distinct. The Delvaux Tempête leans into modern, clean minimalism. Its architectural shape and bold hardware feel contemporary yet timeless. It's a statement piece for those with an eye for design, telegraphing chic sophistication without shouting its name.

The Hermès Kelly, by contrast, is a pure classic. Its design has remained largely unchanged for decades, embodying a heritage-rich, formal elegance. Its instantly recognizable silhouette serves as a cultural touchstone symbolizing grace and status. The Kelly is less about a design trend and more about owning a piece of fashion history.

Price & Investment Value

This is the most significant point of difference. The Delvaux Tempête is a high-luxury purchase, but it operates in a price realm accessible to more luxury shoppers. It will hold its value reasonably well for a designer bag, but it is not considered a financial asset poised for growth.

The Hermès Kelly plays in a completely different league. It is an investment-grade asset, famous for appreciating in value upon leaving the store. Veblen good rules apply, its high price and scarcity are precisely what drive its desirability and financial worth. If your goal is to buy a bag that may be worth more in five years than it is today, the Kelly is the unmatched choice.

Quality & Materials

Both brands represent the pinnacle of leather craftsmanship, and the quality of either bag is beyond reproach. Delvaux, as the Purveyor to the Royal Court of Belgium, uses exquisite leathers and builds its bags to last for generations. Their handiwork is meticulous and focused on structural integrity and finish.

However, Hermès' reputation for sourcing and working with the world's most flawless leathers is peerless. Each Kelly is built by a single artisan over a period of many hours, and the consistency and perfection of the stitching, edging, and leather quality set the industry standard. While both are exceptional, Hermès maintains a fractional edge in both material prestige and public perception of quality.

Exclusivity & Shopping Experience

Buying a new Delvaux Tempête is a pleasant luxury experience. You can walk into a boutique or visit their website, receive excellent customer service, and purchase the bag directly. It is an inclusive approach to high luxury.

Buying a new Hermès Kelly from a boutique is known as "playing the Hermès game." It's an exclusionary and often frustrating process that involves building a significant purchase history on other items to hopefully be "offered" the opportunity to buy one. This extreme scarcity drives its allure and secondary market value, but it makes the bag inaccessible to most.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both bags are incredible choices, but they serve very different purposes and owners.

Choose the Delvaux Tempête if:

• You practice "quiet luxury" and prefer not to carry an instantly recognizable IT bag.
• You value unique, modern design with an architectural flair.
• You want to buy a beautifully crafted luxury bag without spending five figures.
• You appreciate heritage and craftsmanship from the world's oldest luxury leather goods house.
• You want to purchase a bag today, without a long wait or complicated buying history.

Choose the Hermès Kelly if:

• You are buying a handbag partly as a financial investment that will hold or increase its value.
• You desire a powerful and undeniable status symbol of ultimate luxury.
• Your personal style leans towards timeless, classic, and formal elegance.
• You are prepared and willing to navigate the difficult and expensive process to acquire one.
• You want to own a piece of fashion history that will never go out of style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between a Delvaux Tempête and a Hermès Kelly?

The main difference lies in brand philosophy and status. The Delvaux Tempête is an understated, modern choice from a heritage brand for those in the know, while the Hermès Kelly is a widely recognized global status symbol and a financial investment piece that's famously difficult to acquire.

Which handbag is more expensive?

The Hermès Kelly is significantly more expensive. A standard Kelly starts at more than double the price of a standard Tempête and can cost upwards of ten times as much depending on the material.

Which bag holds its value better?

The Hermès Kelly holds its value far better and often appreciates, frequently selling on the resale market for more than its retail price due to high demand and extreme scarcity.

Is Delvaux considered a top luxury brand?

Yes, absolutely. Founded in 1829, Delvaux is the oldest fine leather goods house in the world and holds a royal warrant as a supplier to the Belgian court. It is a highly respected top-tier luxury brand prized for its craftsmanship by industry experts and connoisseurs.

Can you buy an Hermès Kelly online?

It is extremely rare. Hermès very occasionally releases a small number of bags online, which sell out instantly. For the most part, a Kelly bag must be purchased through a boutique, and a direct offer is not guaranteed.

Which is better for daily use?

Both can be worn daily depending on the size and leather. However, the Tempête might feel less "precious" for daily running around due to its lower price point and less conspicuous status, making some owners more comfortable using it regularly.

Why is the Hermès Kelly so exclusive?

The exclusivity is a deliberate strategy by Hermès to maintain its prestige. By strictly limiting production and directing sales through a relationship-based system, the brand creates immense demand that far outstrips supply, fueling its desirability and high value.

If I want an understated "quiet luxury" look, which is better?

The Delvaux Tempête is the definitive choice for an understated "quiet luxury" aesthetic. Its subtle branding and insider status mean it's recognized by those who appreciate fine craftsmanship, not just by those who clock logos.