Read also: New Confirmed Hermès Prices in Europe 2026
Hermés hit the new year running with upward price adjustments in Europe on January 2, 2026, swiftly following in the U.S. over the past week. The shift brings a familiar question back into focus: is buying a Mini Kelly II abroad still worth it?
In our ongoing travel and pricing series, Handbag Math, we unpack the newly adjusted 2026 prices and track how the Mini Kelly II has evolved over the past five years. While Europe has long been the go-to for meaningful savings, let’s examine if that gap is shifting.
photo courtesy @sommyyah
Is Paris Still Worth the Pursuit?
Despite European price savings, the hunt for a Mini Kelly in the EU raises real questions about whether the remaining savings still justify an international shopping trip. Without an established relationship with a Paris-based sales associate (SA), many shoppers report growing frustration when trying to secure a leather appointment. Even those fortunate enough to obtain a walk-in or the highly coveted lottery appointment (which feels rarer than ever) often leave empty-handed.
Feedback from the community has been consistent: Hermés’ SAs in its Paris boutiques increasingly encourage clients to focus their spending at their home boutiques, quietly discouraging travel undertaken solely in pursuit of a quota bag. For those who do sit down for a leather appointment, the outcome is frequently familiar: “Sorry Madame, there are no Birkin or Kellys today.” Mini Kelly II offers in particular remain increasingly elusive.
Read also: Is It Mini Kelly Fatigue or an Overexposed Obsession?
2026 Mini Kelly II Handbag Math
| Region | Hermès Mini Kelly II Epsom 2026 |
| USA | $11,400 |
| Europe | €8,000 |
| VAT Refund | €800 |
| USD Equivalent | $8,424 (incl. VAT Refund) |
| Total Savings | $2,976 |
€1=$1.17 as of January 1, 2026
Cloutè Black Box, Dorè, Gris Arentè @pursebop
The updated European price of the Epsom Mini Kelly II now stands at €8,000. After deducting the approximately 10% VAT refund for Americans, the net cost is reduced to €7,200. At a current exchange rate of roughly $1.17 USD, that equates to approximately $8,424 USD.
By comparison, the newly adjusted U.S. price is $11,400, yielding a potential savings of $2,976—nearly $3,000. For reference, the savings in July 2025 after the tariff-induced increase were approximately $2327.
Read: How Much Does a Mini Kelly II Really Cost in Paris in 2025? The Handbag Math
On paper, the difference is still compelling, in fact the savings has increased this year. In practice, it hinges on the most critical factor of all: being offered the bag in the EU in the first place.
photo courtesy @tash_ps
The Bigger Picture
Despite the January 2026 7.4% price increase in Europe and 8.6% increase in the U.S., Europe technically remains the lower-priced market for the Mini Kelly II. That said, our calculations do not account for possible customs duties, state-specific sales tax upon re-entry, and the very real costs of airfare, accommodations, and dining.
Once those additional expenses and the stress of navigating appointments and limited availability are taken into account, shopping at one’s home boutique may prove more enjoyable and less frustrating. The ultimate cost also may end up closer than it first appears.
As Hermès pricing continues to increase each year, the romantic idea of flying to Paris just for a bag begins to lose some of its financial appeal. Sometimes, the smartest handbag math is not just about numbers, but about experience, access, and peace of mind.
photo courtesy @eeely Red App
Mini Kelly II Pricing Trend Over the Past 5 Years in the U.S.
Over the past five years, the price of the Hermès Mini Kelly II has climbed steadily on both sides of the Atlantic, perhaps reflecting a broader global pricing strategy.
In the United States, the Mini Kelly II was priced at $7,950 in 2021. Fast forward to 2026, and the price now stands at $11,400. That represents a $3,450 increase, or a 43.4% rise over five years—equating to an average annual increase of approximately 8.5%.
U.S. pricing has increased consistently year after year, with the most significant jump occurring in 2026. These increases could reflect a combination of inflationary pressures, tariffs, and broader luxury market dynamics.
Cloutè Black Box, Dorè @pursebop
In Europe, the Mini Kelly II has followed a similar, though slightly more moderate path. In 2021, the bag retailed for €5,900. By 2026, the price increased to €8,000, marking a €2,100 increase, or a 35.6% rise over the same five-year period. This translates to an average annual increase of roughly 7%.
Viewed together, the past five years highlight steady Hermès price inflation in both regions, with U.S. pricing outpacing Europe slightly. While European increases have been more measured, the result has been relatively parallel.
Mauve Sylvestre, Rose Pop and Gris Argentè @pursebop
It’s clear that Hermès prices for the coveted Mini Kelly II show no signs of tempering. Over the last five years, prices in both the U.S. and Europe have climbed steadily upward, reflecting sustained — if not growing —demand for this iconic piece. Supply never seems to satisfy the demand, which is likely how Hermès wants it.
While European prices remain lower on paper, the reality is more complex. Once you factor in travel expenses, time investment, and the uncertainty of actually securing the bag abroad, the savings often diminish or disappear entirely. The Mini Kelly remains notoriously difficult to purchase anywhere, making location — and perhaps even price — less important than opportunity.
For those with their hearts set on getting a Mini Kelly, the best strategy may be to buy it wherever you can find it, as soon as you can.
Read related articles:
New Confirmed Hermès Prices in Europe 2026
19 Hermès Non-Quota Bag Options With U.S. Prices
How the Hermès Birkin Quietly Got $2,700 More Expensive
Handbag Math: Luxury Shopping Tariffs Explained
How Much Does a Mini Kelly II Really Cost in Paris in 2025? The Handbag Math
6 Covetable Hermès Bags from the Spring-Summer 2026 Runway
Love, PurseBop
XO
Updated: January 10th, 2026
Comments