Cue the collective gasp — the So Kelly is back, and she’s cooler than ever.

After years of playing hard to get on the resale market, the So Kelly is ready for its boutique comeback. The bag that once redefined “casual chic” is strutting into Spring-Summer 2026 with fresh energy, bold color, and that signature slouch we never stopped obsessing over.

Image courtesy: @thepouf

The Origins: Jean-Paul Gaultier’s Everyday Elegance

The So Kelly first appeared in Hermès’ Fall/Winter 2008 collection under the creative direction of Jean-Paul Gaultier. Known for shaking up Hermès tradition with playful twists, Gaultier envisioned a bag that captured the refinement of the Kelly — but with a relaxed, wearable attitude.

Original Hermès So Kelly

The result? A slouchy, bucket-style hobo bag with a softened structure for effortless everyday wear. Pared down and simplified overall, the So Kelly touret plaque is downsized and redirected – from the Kelly’s original larger north-south orientation, to a smaller east-west plaque. Its wide adjustable shoulder strap attached via D-rings – one of the few metal details beyond its signature closure, making it comfortable to carry over the shoulder, while its spacious interior offered practicality without compromising on style. The original So Kelly was offered in sizes 22 and 26, providing a compact yet practical option for everyday wear.

Image courtesy: @alyssa.lenore

Image courtesy: @alyssa.lenore

Though discontinued in 2016, the So Kelly maintained a quiet cult following among Hermès aficionados and pre-loved collectors who appreciated its understated cool. Now, nearly a decade later, it returns to the spotlight.

Image courtesy: @worldofcasaharris

The Comeback: So Kelly Reimagined for Spring-Summer 2026

Fast forward to the Hermès Spring/Summer 2026 runway, and the So Kelly has returned — looking as playful and polished as ever.

The new iteration stays true to the relaxed silhouette of the original while introducing subtle refinements that give the bag a contemporary edge. Gone are the metal D-rings; in their place, slimmer leather straps extend seamlessly from the body of the bag, lending a more streamlined silhouette. This change not only streamlines the design but also adds a sculptural seam along the sides, giving the slouchy silhouette a more defined, architectural shape. Like the original So Kelly, the bag is secured with the smaller east-west touret and plaque.

Image courtesy: @marianne_theodorsen

Image courtesy: Vogue Runway

Hermès Spring-Summer 2026 women's ready-to-wear paris fashion week

Image courtesy: Vogue Runway

Hermès teased a range of sizes on the Spring-Summer 2026 runway and the Re-See presentation, from a petite mini to the So Kelly 26. The bag was presented in a striking color palette, including vibrant violet, and bold poppy red, alongside classic black.

Image courtesy: @annabelrosendahl

Image courtesy: @marianne_theodorsen

Image courtesy: @marianne_theodorsen

With this comeback, Hermès proves again that timeless style need not be rigid or structured — sometimes, it’s soft, slouchy, and a little bit rebellious.