Sofia Richie Grainge's Favorite Handbag Is An Iconic Quiet-Luxury Clutch
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Looking for a fierce celeb to hold up as your personal style icon? When it comes to fashion influencers, Sofia Richie Grainge is a perennial favorite, and for good reason. The model and social media personality has cemented herself as a bonafide trendsetter, inspiring us with everything from her signature slicked-back bun and the quiet luxury of her favorite perfume to Richie Grainge's stunning bridal look at her 2023 wedding.
Sometimes called "the queen of quiet luxury" — though it's a title she doesn't claim for herself — Richie Grainge is known for selecting enduring pieces over fast-fashion trends. "[My stylist] Liat Baruch and I started working together properly about three and a half years ago, and when we met, our word was 'timeless,'" Richie Grainge explains in an interview with Who What Wear. "I really tuned into myself and asked, 'What am I wearing when I feel my most powerful self?' And that was in more sophisticated, timeless attire."
With this aesthetic in mind, it should come as no surprise that the fashionista has been spotted sporting an utterly iconic handbag: the Hermès Kelly Cut Clutch. In September 2023, Richie Grainge shared photos on her Instagram in which she's carrying the clutch in classic black, serving as an understated but luxurious counterpoint to a chic black blazer dress from Dolce & Gabbana. And if you're one of Richie Grainge's devotees, her apparent preference for the bag may have you clamoring to learn more about the Kelly Cut Clutch.
The evolution of the Kelly Cut Clutch
The Kelly Cut Clutch is a reimagining of the classic Hermès Kelly bag, which was first launched in the 1930s as the Petit Sac à Courroies. The original purse was beloved by renowned actor and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly, and the bag officially took on her name in the late '70s (per Harper's Bazaar). Its design was large and geometric, setting a new standard for handbag styles that the brand later transitioned into the smaller but equally chic silhouette of the Kelly Cut Clutch.
The Kelly Cut Clutch replicates the fine craftsmanship of its larger namesake, incorporating signature details like the horizontal strap and buckle used to secure the handbag's flap. However, it also brings its own style and sensibility, leaving behind the Kelly Bag's boxy, rhomboid shape for a sleek rectangular design.
For extra-light travelers, there is also an even smaller, mini-sized version known as the Hermès Kelly Pochette, which more closely mimics the original Kelly Bag's shape. But for the perfect balance of storage and style, the Kelly Cut Clutch provides an ideal middle ground. It's no wonder that the elegantly proportioned purse has become a favorite among the celebrity set, including not just Sofia Richie Grainge, but notables like Cardi B and Kris Jenner.
Achieving the Kelly Cut vibe
The Kelly Cut Clutch isn't currently available on the Hermès U.S. site, but Who What Wear places its retail value at $12,000, out of reach for most budgets. So how can you achieve the look? When it comes to selecting handbags with a luxury vibe, less is usually more. This is especially true if you're trying to recreate the aesthetic of someone like Sofia Richie Grainge. Though she may not call her own style "quiet luxury," it's certainly about understated refinement.
To evaluate potential stand-ins, consider what makes the Kelly Cut Clutch so elegant in the first place. Look for bags that embody its clean lines, long silhouette, and sophisticated detailing. Materials also play a role — the Kelly Cut Clutch is often seen in matte finishes or crocodile skin rather than glittery or heavily embellished fabrics. As such, opting for simpler designs can help you make a similar impact.
While still pricey at $1,150, the Icona Leather Wallet from Ferragamo is an excellent alternative to the Kelly Cut Clutch. Meanwhile, the Tory Burch Eleanor Clutch, retailing for around $500, is slightly more achievable than vintage Hermès. But you don't have to go full-luxury to get the look. For those on a tighter budget, consider affordable options like the Vegan Leather Envelope Clutch Bag by Nodeber. Its fold-over flap is distinct from the Kelly silhouette, but its rectangular shape, restrained metal accents, and smooth finish honor many of the same style philosophies.