Hermès Reportedly Refused to Sell North West a Rare Kelly Bag

The luxury brand allegedly denied the request from Kim Kardashian and Kanye West for their daughter.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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According to a former employee of the Beverly Hills Hermès boutique, the luxury brand refused a request from Kim Kardashian and Kanye West to purchase a rare alligator Mini Kelly bag for their daughter North West. The insider claimed that Hermès did not want the 12-year-old to be photographed with the exclusive handbag, which can fetch over $75,000 on the resale market.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the exclusivity and prestige associated with Hermès' most coveted handbag styles, which the brand carefully controls access to, even for high-profile celebrity clients. It also speaks to the lavish designer wardrobes of celebrity children like North West, who have access to some of the world's rarest and most expensive fashion items.

The details

According to the former Hermès employee, Kardashian and West requested a 'Black Mini Kelly bag for North or something like that,' but the brand refused the request. The insider speculated that Hermès likely did not want North, who was 6 years old at the time, to be photographed with the exclusive alligator Mini Kelly bag, which can fetch close to $100,000 on the resale market.

  • In 2019, North West was spotted carrying a white Hermès Birkin bag at age 6.

The players

North West

The 12-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, who has access to a lavish designer wardrobe.

Kim Kardashian

North West's mother, who owns an extensive collection of rare and expensive Hermès handbags.

Kanye West

North West's father, who has gifted his ex-wife Kim Kardashian rare Hermès bags in the past.

Hermès

The French luxury fashion house that carefully controls access to its most coveted handbag styles, even for high-profile celebrity clients.

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What they’re saying

“Kanye West and Kim Kardashian wanted a Black Mini Kelly bag for North or something like that. And Hermès said no.”

— Former Hermès employee (Back Row* newsletter)

“I have no idea why, but we were like, 'Oh, wow.' 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.”

— Former Hermès employee (Back Row* newsletter)

The takeaway

This incident underscores Hermès' stringent control over access to its most exclusive handbag styles, even for high-profile celebrity clients like the Kardashian-West family. It highlights the prestige and desirability associated with owning rare Hermès bags, which the brand carefully manages to maintain their exclusivity and value.