Just a Touch: The Hermès Touch Birkin & Kelly

Hermès has always pushed the boundaries of design, and one of the most exciting innovations in recent years is the Hermès Touch line. If you’ve seen a Birkin or Kelly with exotic accents — crocodile, alligator, lizard — trimmed over a base of a standard Hermès leather, that’s likely a “Touch” bag. At Privé Porter, we often source these hybrid bags for clients who want both classic Hermès craftsmanship and exotic flair without committing to full exotic.

What Defines a Hermès Touch Bag

A “Touch” bag is a Hermès Birkin, Kelly, or smaller style where most of the body is in one type of regular leather (e.g. Togo, Clemence, Novillo), and there are accented parts (flap, handles, straps/sangles, clochette, sometimes flap or pocket) in an exotic leather — crocodile, alligator, matte or shiny, sometimes lizard or ostrich.
It is not a fully exotic Hermès bag but offers visual contrast, texture, and higher perceived value due to the exotic parts.
Because the exotic leather is limited to accent parts rather than the full bag, “Touch” versions tend to cost significantly less than full exotic versions, but more than pure standard leather ones.

History & Styles Introduced

The first Hermès Touch bags appeared in Spring/Summer 2018 (First released in 2017). Initial styles included Birkin 30, Kelly 28 & 32, Lindy 26, Picotin (18cm & 22cm) etc.
Over time, the Touch line expanded. Today, styles include:
- Birkin Touch: 25cm, 30cm, 35cm sizes in various leather + exotic combinations.
- Kelly Touch: 25, 28, 32, Mini, both Sellier and Retourne structures.
- Other smaller or fun styles: Lindy, Picotin, Kelly Dépêches Pouch, sometimes Roulis or smaller evening styles (depending on season)

Why Collectors Love Hermès Touch Bags

Exotic Flair with Practicality: You get the exotic leather accents — which draw attention — without the full exotic bag’s upkeep and fragility. The body being standard leather makes daily wear more practical.
Visual Contrast & Uniqueness: Each Touch bag is a play on contrast — matte vs. shiny exotics, color blocking, textures — which makes them stand out among standard Hermès offerings.
Relative Rarity: Even though Touch styles have expanded, they are still relatively limited. Boutique deliveries of specific exotic/accent combinations can be rare. That makes them desirable to the collector’s market.
Resale Value: Because of their eye-catching accents and limited availability, Touch bags often retain value well, sometimes fetching prices closer to exotic pieces.

Styles & Sizes You Can Get in Hermès Touch

Here’s a breakdown of what to look for and what’s out there in “Touch” versions of Hermès designs:

Style	Common Sizes	Exotic Accent Locations	Structure Notes
Birkin Touch	25cm, 30cm, 35cm (older ones starting at 30cm)	Flap, handles, straps/sangles, clochette, hardware accent	Standard Birkin structures; some with Sellier vs Retourne depending on model
Kelly Touch	25, 28, 32, Mini sizes	Handles, flap, straps, sometimes lock/clochette in exotic skin	Available in both Sellier (rigid edges) and Retourne (softer construction)
Picotin / Lindy Touch	Picotin 18 & 22, Lindy 26/Mini	Handles and straps, occasionally flap or side-exotic trims	More casual shape, lighter wear, less structured than Birkin/Kelly
Constance	All Sizes	Exotic trim clasp	Meant as complementary or evening / minimalist use

Things to Know When Purchasing Hermès Touch

Maintenance of Exotic Parts: Exotic leathers require specific care. Handles and accents are more exposed to wear; they may need wrap protection (twilly, rain, etc.).
Color Matching & Contrast: Some Touch bags have high contrast, others more subtle. Remember lighting and condition affect how the exotic accent looks vs the body leather.
Hardware Options: Gold, Palladium, Rose Gold, etc. Hardware finish can enhance or detract from the exotic contrast.
Price Premium: Expect a premium over non-touch Hermès bags, though generally not as high as full exotic pieces. Sellers count the exotic parts, rarity, size, and color when pricing.

Hermès Touch & Privé Porter

At Privé Porter, we know how valuable a Touch Birkin or Kelly can be to the collector who wants something both classic and striking. We source these rare Hermès Touch styles in sizes from Birkin 25-35 and Kelly 25-32, in both Sellier and Retourne constructions, and with exotic accents like crocodile, alligator, sometimes lizard or ostrich, depending on season. If you're looking for a Touch Hermès bag, Privé Porter can help you find the specific color-leather-hardware combination you want — before they become even harder to find.

Contact Privé Porter

Looking to add your dream Hermès Birkin, Kelly, or special editions to your collection? At Privé Porter, we specialize in sourcing the rarest Hermès bags in the world — from timeless classics to limited-edition grails.

📩 Email: miami@priveporter.com
📱 Call/Text: +1 (305) 432-1285
📍 Location: Miami, FL

At Privé Porter, we make the impossible happen in Hermès collecting.