Hermès
Kelly Doll Picto
Hermès introduced the newest Kelly Doll as part of its Spring/Summer 2022 collection. The new Hermès Kelly Doll Picto is a completely redesigned and re-imagined take on the Hermès Kelly Doll. The new design comes with a shoulder strap and has a pixel art style complete with a little backpack.
The new Hermès Kelly Doll comes in Epsom leather in two colors: Mauve Sylvestre and Nata. Sotheby's has it's first Hermès Kelly Doll Picto available in Paris with the sale closing March 20.
Do You Know
THE DIFFERENCE
CROCODILE & ALLIGATOR?
How about Porous and Niloticus Crocodile skins?
Differentiating all of these meticulously crafted materials is a snap!
But we have something that may useful
Hermès
Porosus Croco
The king of exotics, fetching the highest prices on the primary and secondary markets, is Porosus Crocodile. This skin is acquired from the underbelly of Crocodylus Porosus crocodiles, which Hermès farms in Australia, but it is a saltwater species common to the entire Indo-Pacific region.
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Porosus Crocodile is characterized by the tiny pores on each scale, which gives this species its name. Although not perfectly symmetrical, given this skin is natural and not a pressed leather pattern, it is known to have scales with qualities we like to call the “three S’s”: small, square, and symmetrical, which makes it so sought after by collectors
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This skin comes in two varieties: Matte and Lisse (shiny). The Lisse effect is achieved from an arduous agate stone polishing, only after the skin has been carefully dyed to the exacting colorations that Hermès is known for.
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​Porosus Crocodile is distinctly marked with a “^” caret mark in foil, which can be found next to the brand stamp, typically located on the front panel of a bag, or on the interior lining in smaller accessories such as wallets, leather jewelry, and charms.
Hermès
Niloticus Croco
Coming in close second in terms of resale value, we have Niloticus Crocodile. This skin is harvested from Crocodylus Niloticus crocodiles, a freshwater species native to the Nile River region of Africa, but found broadly across the continent.
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Hermès’s sources are located at the southernmost tip of the Nile River, in Zimbabwe.
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The Niloticus Crocodile gets its name from the region in which it is native, the Nile River. These skins are characterized as the slightly larger cousin to the Porosus Crocodile, with subtly larger scales, and often seen lacking distinct pores, although they are sometimes noticeable on certain samples.
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A quick way to identify this particular skin is to take a closer look near the brand stamping, as Niloticus Crocodile is distinctly marked with
a “..” diaeresis mark in foil.
Hermès
Alligator Mississipiensis
This skin is farmed from the Alligator Mississippiensis alligator, also known as the American Alligator, natively found in… you guessed it… the Mississippi River region!
Hermès’s farms are located in Texas, although the species is found throughout the Louisiana Delta, and even up to the Southeastern states as far as the northern coast of North Carolina.
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The scales of this species are quite distinct, and a stark change from the more fine appearance of Hermès crocodile skins.
The scales on this species are large, square, with rougher ridges due to the toughness of this skin itself. Bags made of this material feel thicker, and are markedly more durable against scuffing and scratching.
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To identify this skin, take another peek near the brand stamp. If you see a “â–¡” square, it’s Alligator Mississippiensis!
Hermès
Caiman crocodile
This skin is only ever used in vintage Hermès bags. Due to the lack of quality sources for Caiman skins, Hermès was forced to halt their use of this material, in favor of the contemporary Porosus and Niloticus varieties, simply to keep their rigorous standards for product quality.
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When in circulation at Hermès, this skin was taken from the Caiman, a close relative of the American Alligator, but neither a Crocodile or Alligator by taxonomic standards.
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This species is native to Central and South American marshes, swamps, mangrove rivers, and lakes. The scales of the Caiman are generally tall, rectangular, and flat, while the overall skin feels thinner than Crocodile and Alligator.
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To identify this skin, look closely at the brand stamp. A “â—‹” circle indicates that this bag is Caiman.
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