The debut of a new Hermès collection is one of the fashion events that creates the most anticipation. The French Maison has transcended the idea of luxury handbags for decades, turning them into timeless investments, artistic masterpieces, and cultural icons.

This also applied to the Spring/Summer 2026 (SS26) collection. Hermès reimagined its two most sought-after designs, the Birkin and the Kelly, with new silhouettes, inventive textures, and striking colours in a collection that felt both classic and cutting-edge. However, this season also brought bold new interpretations straight from the catwalk, allowing us to see how Hermès is influencing the direction of high-end accessories.

The SS26 runway demonstrated that the Birkin and Kelly are living, breathing icons rather than merely historical relics. Let's explore the runway highlights, the latest developments, and the reasons this collection is already making waves.

The Legacy of Hermès Icons: Birkin & Kelly

• The Kelly: Originally known as the "Sac à Dépêches" in the 1930s, the bag gained notoriety when Princess Grace Kelly famously carried it in 1956. The Kelly epitomises quiet power, refined femininity, and structured elegance.
• The Birkin: The Birkin, which was created in 1984 following Jane Birkin's fortuitous meeting with Jean-Louis Dumas, the CEO of Hermès, became a cultural icon. It changed the definition of a luxury tote by being roomy, fashionable, and incredibly adaptable.

In 2026, Hermès preserves the DNA of these icons while introducing bold new twists that feel distinctly modern.

1. Materials with a Modern Edge

The SS26 Birkin is all about combining tradition and innovation. Hermès combines sustainability and tradition in its leathers, which range from soft togo calfskin to environmentally friendly Saddle Luxe leathers. In order to add dimension without overpowering their subtle luxury, some pieces even have subtle metallic washes.

2. The SS26 Color Story

Hermès continues to rule the world of color. This season’s Birkins debut in dreamy Mediterranean-inspired hues:

• Bleu Celeste – a powdery, sky-like blue.
• Jaune Soleil – a radiant, golden yellow.
• Corail Pastel – a fresh, blush-coral.
• Vert Menthe – a mint green destined to trend.

Timeless shades like black, etoupe, and gold return—but refreshed with matte and brushed hardware for a contemporary touch.

3. Hardware Innovations

Hermès offers collectors more options than ever before for SS26 with the introduction of brushed gold, antique silver, and dual-tone hardware.

4. Mini Birkin Renaissance

The Birkin 20 and 25 are once again in the spotlight following years of oversized silhouettes.  They're the season's favourite for day-to-night transitions because they're small, well-made, and incredibly stylish.

What’s New in the SS26 Kelly?

1. Kelly Pochette Glamour

The Kelly Pochette shines this season, reimagined in satin finishes with enamel clasps—a nod to Art Deco sophistication.

2. Interchangeable Straps

A youthful addition: the SS26 Kelly comes with interchangeable straps in jacquard, silk-twilly weaves, and hand-painted leathers, making personalization easier than ever.

3. Reinvented Kelly Retourne

Hermès has re-engineered the Retourne for SS26, enhancing durability while preserving its soft, relaxed structure—perfect for modern elegance.

4. Kelly Color Palette

The Kelly’s hues lean romantic this season:

• Rose Parfum – soft ballet pink.
• Lavande Douce – dreamy lavender.
• Gris Nuage – misty, seasonless gray.
• Orange Soleil – a playful twist on Hermès’ iconic orange.

Spotlight on the Hermès SS26 Runway Bags

Beyond the core Birkin and Kelly updates, Hermès introduced three jaw-dropping runway bags that pushed boundaries and sparked instant buzz.

1. The Black Suede Birkin with Glossy Hardware

The runway was given depth and intrigue by a striking all-black suede Birkin with glossy black hardware.  The contrast between the polished hardware and the matte-suede texture produced a monochromatic masterpiece that was enigmatic, dark, and unforgettable.

2. The Sculptural Kelly in Electric Blue

The architectural Kelly in electric blue leather, with its sharp, structured silhouette and oversized folds, was one of the most daring pieces.  It appeared to be wearable art when worn close to the body, demonstrating how Hermès is embracing architectural fashion without sacrificing style.

3. The Deconstructed Two-Tone Birkin

The chocolate brown and cream two-tone Birkin bag with asymmetrical folds and zip detailing was arguably the most avant-garde SS26 bag.  Part modern art piece, part vintage Hermès, it seemed like a rebellious reinvention.

4. The Suede Birkin à l’Envers in Sand Beige

This Birkin à l'Envers, or "inside-out Birkin," is one of the most talked-about items from SS26 and redefines casual sophistication.  It features exposed seams, sleek black-lacquered hardware, and reversed flap details, all crafted in soft veau doblis suede in a subdued sand-beige hue.  The result is a masterwork of subtle avant-garde that is both tough and sophisticated.

5. The Kelly-inspired Hobo in Noir Swift

This striking addition to the Hermès family, this hobo bag with a Kelly motif epitomises contemporary ease.  The signature Kelly closure discreetly shows through the top, fusing heritage with a carefree silhouette, while the soft black Swift leather drapes with ease.  When worn over the shoulder, it epitomises carefree luxury and represents Hermès' commitment to effortless, daily style.

Runway to Reality: Styling the SS26 Bags

• The Birkin 30 in Bleu Celeste was styled with crisp linen tailoring.
• The Kelly Pochette in Rose Parfum paired beautifully with fluid slip dresses.
• The Mini Birkin in Corail Pastel looked effortlessly chic with denim and sandals.
• The Runway Suede Birkin brought edge to monochrome leather ensembles.
• The Electric Blue Kelly served as a bold accent for neutral safari-inspired looks.

Celebrity Sightings: The SS26 It-Bags

Already, celebrities are carrying SS26 Hermès pieces:

• Zendaya with the Kelly 25 in Lavande Douce.
• Rosé (BLACKPINK) with the Mini Birkin in Vert Menthe.
• Cate Blanchett with the Kelly Retourne in Gris Nuage.
• Victoria Beckham with the Birkin 30 in Jaune Soleil.
• Street-style stars spotted with the runway deconstructed Birkin in chocolate and cream.

Why SS26 Hermès Bags Are Investment Pieces

The SS26 collection is already proving to be a collector's paradise, with resale values regularly rising to up to 150% of retail. Long into 2027, the Mini Birkins, runway exclusives, and striking new Kellys will continue to dominate pre-order waitlists.

Care and Authentication: Protecting Your SS26 Treasure

• Look for the 2026 blind stamp inside your bag.
• Inspect flawless Hermès stitching—no irregularities exist in authentic pieces.
• Hardware engraving should be crisp and weighty.
• Only purchase through Hermès boutiques or verified luxury platforms.

• To preserve value, store in a dust bag, avoid overstuffing, and condition leather regularly with Hermès-approved products.

The Pre-Loved Hermès Market: Insights from Miloura

The market for used luxury handbags is growing concurrently with the SS26 Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags, which are creating a lot of buzz at boutiques and runway shows. The demand for Hermès on the resale market is at an all-time high, according to Miloura, a reputable brand in sourcing and curating genuine designer pieces.

Miloura’s Role in the Market

Every Hermès item is meticulously verified and assessed at Miloura to ensure it satisfies the highest quality requirements. Miloura assists customers in finding bags that are not only fashion statements but also long-term investments, thanks to her proficiency in spotting rare leathers, unique hardware combinations, and collector-worthy colourways.

The SS26 collection is already having an impact on the secondary market thanks to its bold suede Birkins, sculptured Kellys, and disassembled runway items. Collectors are actively seeking out comparable vintage styles or past limited editions, while others are looking to secure SS26 exclusives through resale platforms like Miloura’s curated network.

The Investment Outlook

Mini Birkins, Kelly Pochettes, and distinctive runway items are expected to dominate the resale market in 2026, per Miloura's trend analysis.  These designs drive demand well beyond Hermès boutiques by fusing portability and rarity. The pre-owned route offers astute purchasers access and opportunity, guaranteeing that they can still obtain a classic Hermès item even if they are unable to join boutique waitlists.

Final Thoughts: Tradition Meets Transformation

The Hermès Birkin and Kelly collection for SS26 serves as a reminder of why these bags are still the best.  Whether it's a deconstructed two-tone masterpiece, a sculpture of cobalt Kelly, or a suede Birkin with all-black hardware, they manage to reinvent themselves for a new generation while carrying decades of history.

Hermès has once again demonstrated that the Birkin and Kelly are more than just accessories; they are the timeless language of luxury, striking a delicate balance between bold innovation and timeless heritage.