- 12
- Feb
Shebag handmade Hermes Mini kelly 2 in goatskin leather pink bag review(Feb 2026 updated)
When replicating the Goatskin Pink Mini Kelly 2, Shebag conducts a complete reverse‑engineering process based on the authentic Hermès bag. Every detail—from leather selection and color control to construction—is strictly aligned with Hermès craftsmanship. First, an authentic bag is purchased and fully dissected to obtain precise data for every panel: dimensions, curves, internal lining placement, thickness, and more. These measurements are then used to create 1:1 patterns and molds, ensuring the final shape matches the original exactly.
The color control process for the Goatskin Pink Mini Kelly 2 is a complete system designed to achieve a clean, translucent pink finish. It begins with intensive degreasing of the leather base to prevent the pink from yellowing or dulling. Mild acid softening ensures even fiber structure for full dye penetration, while light buffing maintains the fine texture of goatskin without compromising its natural characteristics. The dyeing process consists of three stages: base dye, color adjustment layer, and color fixation with edge finish. Base dyeing uses low‑temperature slow dyeing to drive pink deep into the middle layer of the leather, ensuring consistent color throughout. The color adjustment layer precisely controls the ratios of red, yellow, and white tones to create a clean, transparent, non‑cloudy Hermès‑style pink. For fixation, acid‑free fixatives are used to prevent fading or discoloration, while heavy resin coatings are avoided to preserve the soft, supple hand of goatskin.
Subtle light polishing creates a semi‑matte, velvety surface, preventing the pink from appearing shiny or cheap. During cutting, only leather from the same batch, same hide, and same section is used. All panels are inspected under D65 standard light sources to ensure color consistency across the flap, body, handle, and strap. Edge paint uses a matching through‑dye process, and wax thread is matched to the pink in both hue and brightness. Final quality control is performed under natural light, warm light, and cool light to guarantee stable color presentation in all environments.
These techniques are closely tied to the core properties of Hermès goatskin. Hermès commonly uses Chèvre Mysore and other premium goatskins with extremely fine fibers—30%–50% finer than calfskin. They absorb dye faster, more evenly, and more sensitively, requiring low‑temperature slow dyeing to avoid instant color deviation. The natural velvety finish is key to its luxury appearance, so heavy coatings are rejected in favor of through‑dyeing to maintain softness.
The inherently supple nature of goatskin gives pink a softer visual effect, so extra care is taken to prevent yellowing, graying, darkening, or premature aging.
The region of origin significantly impacts dyeing behavior:
- French goatskin is Hermès’ primary material, with a fine, even surface and balanced oil content. It dyes most stably and easily achieves a luxury pink, with uniform absorption without heavy degreasing.
- Italian goatskin has slightly coarser fibers and a firmer handle. Its pink tends toward warm and soft tones, requiring stricter control over red and yellow ratios.
- Spanish goatskin is firmer with more pronounced grain, often resulting in cooler, grayish pinks that need white adjustment for correction.
- Turkish and Greek goatskin is soft and smaller in area, with high dye penetration but a risk of uneven dyeing, requiring lower dyeing temperatures.
- Northern Chinese goatskin is lower in cost but with inconsistent grain, often producing dark, dull pinks that require intensive degreasing and secondary color correction.
However, Shebag does not use Chinese goatskin. Hermès sources its goatskin exclusively from France.
