Cover Whether bold or minimalist, the Hermes bag becomes a statement piece in Jennie and Lisa’s fashion story

From the utilitarian Birkin Cargo to the sleek Kelly Elan, Blackpink icons Jennie and Lisa reveal two distinct takes on the Hermes bag.

We often see Lisa carrying Louis Vuitton and Jennie with Chanel across their social media platforms, showcasing their signature styles. Yet on this rare occasion, both were seen with Hermes bags in hand, surprising and delighting fans alike. Each appearance demonstrates how they effortlessly transform accessories into extensions of their personal style. Two bags, two very distinct interpretations, yet both radiate elegance, refinement and understated sophistication, proving once again why these two icons occupy the very pinnacle of global luxury fashion.

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Jennie – when classic meets utility style

Jennie has long been associated with Hermes, dating back to 2018 and 2019, when Blackpink first began its global rise. She made her mark time and again with the maison’s traditional Birkin and Kelly designs. Her collection always strikes a careful balance of luxury, understatement and the unexpected.

In Milan, Jennie was seen with the Hermes Birkin Cargo 25, a utility-inspired iteration crafted from robust canvas and supple Swift leather. Its most striking feature: military-style exterior pockets, including one designed to hold a coffee cup: sophisticated yet playful. She paired the bag with a sleek grey dress, its soft off-shoulder neckline acting as a frame, ensuring the bag became the centrepiece. The fluid silhouette of the dress offset the structure of the Cargo, while the soft Milanese light danced across its leather surface, capturing a moment that was both delicate and powerful, an instant “live photo” etched in memory.

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Above In 2024, Jennie carried the Hermes Bolide 1923 Mini Bag White to a friend’s wedding (photo: Jennie Style)
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Above Hermes Bolide 1923 Mini Bag White (photo: Jennie Style)

Launched between 2019 and 2020, the Birkin Cargo 25 swiftly established itself as a daring new chapter for Hermes, staying true to traditional craftsmanship while embracing modernity. Available only to select VIPs, it is a rare find in boutiques. Retailing at around USD 19,200 for the 25 size, far above the classic Birkin’s US$11,400 to 11,800, its resale value can soar between $35,000 and $45,000, depending on colour and condition. Exceptional editions, such as the Birkin Himalaya, have reached as high as $450,000 at auction, securing its place as both fashion statement and investment.

Jennie’s ability to blend classic elegance with utilitarian edge has turned the Birkin Cargo into a symbol of her trend-setting influence, merging timeless luxury with a contemporary streetwise spirit.

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Above The Birkin Cargo is one of Hermes’ most coveted designs. Despite its high price, it is almost always sold out (photo: janefinds)

Lisa – powerful minimalism

Joining the “Hermes club” later than Jennie, Lisa swiftly made her mark with a style of her own. At first, she often favoured designs in playful colours or unusual sizes, reflecting her youth and creative spirit. In Milan this time, however, she opted for a more mature choice: the Hermes Kelly Elan in black. Minimalist and understated, it still carried an aura of quiet power.

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Above Lisa once caused a stir when she revealed her custom-made Hermes Birkin 30 in black and pink, a nod to her band (photo: Reddit)

The Kelly Elan first appeared in the early 2000s as a slim, elongated clutch, produced briefly before being discontinued. After years of absence, Hermes revived it for the Spring Summer 2023 collection, this time with a detachable shoulder strap that allows it to transform effortlessly from shoulder bag to handheld. Its EastWest proportions make it street-ready yet unmistakably elegant.

Lisa paired her black Kelly Elan with an all-black ensemble, creating a seamless ton-sur-ton effect. Against this monochrome canvas, the bag stood out as a subtle highlight, its fine-grained leather and discreet gold clasp lending distinction without ostentation. On Lombardy Street, the morning light played across the leather, producing a lustrous effect that affirmed a style both polished and alluring.

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Above The Kelly Elan first appeared in the early 2000s as a slim, elongated clutch, produced briefly before being discontinued (photo: Sotheby’s)

The Kelly Elan is now one of the most sought-after designs on the secondary market, prized for its rarity and versatility. Retail prices begin around $14,000, but resale can soar past $30,000 depending on materials and shades. Its appeal lies in its unforgettable blend of luxury, functionality and timelessness.

Lisa’s pared-back yet powerful aesthetic proves that bold colour or eccentric shapes are not always needed. A minimal choice can still deliver maximum impact, especially in the hands of a cultural icon. Together in Milan, Jennie and Lisa presented two contrasting interpretations of Hermes luxury: one classic and utilitarian, the other sleek and minimal. It is this interplay that enriches Blackpink’s fashion narrative, while underscoring their influence in the global style conversation.