A masterpiece of craftsmanship and exclusivity, the Hermès Kelly Bag embodies a legacy of timeless elegance and refined taste. 90 years after its launch, the Kelly Bag continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
The Hermès Kelly Bag: A Timeless Status Icon with Aristocratic Charm
Before the iconic Birkin bag became the ultimate symbol of luxury, the Hermès Kelly Bag reigned supreme as the epitome of sophistication and aristocratic charm.
Why is it called Kelly bag?
The Kelly Bag’s story begins in 1935, when it was first introduced by Hermès as the *Sac à Dépêches* (Dispatch Bag).
Designed by Robert Dumas, the creative director of Hermès and son-in-law of Émile Hermès, the bag was initially crafted as a practical yet elegant accessory for the modern woman.
However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that the bag achieved legendary status.
Grace Kelly, the Hollywood actress turned Princess of Monaco, became the face of the *Sac à Dépêches* when Kelly wore the bag in her role as Frances Stevens in Alfred Hitchcock’s “To Catch a Thief” (1955), portraying a wealthy American heiress vacationing in France.
Beyond filming, Kelly carried it in her activities as Princess of Monaco. Once she was photographed using the bag to shield her pregnant belly from the paparazzi.
The image, which graced the cover of Life magazine, catapulted the bag into the spotlight, with enthusiasts and media calling it just Kelly bag. In 1977, Hermès officially renamed it the “Kelly Bag“.
How much does an Hermès Kelly bag cost?
If you want to buy a Kelly Bag you have to get on a waiting list or buy it at auction.
The bag’s price reflects its exclusivity and craftsmanship, with prices starting at $8,000 for basic models and soaring to $70,000 or more for exotic leather versions. Limited editions, such as the Kelly 28 Himalaya with gold and diamond hardware, have fetched staggering sums at auctions, with one selling for $425,000.
Why is a Kelly bag so expensive?
The bag’s exclusivity further enhances its allure, and of course its price. Each Kelly Bag is meticulously handmade by a single artisan, requiring between 18 to 25 hours of labor. The process involves over 680 hand stitches, ensuring unparalleled quality and durability.
So, they only make a few of the Kelly bags each year.
Another factor is the materials used. They are equally exceptional, ranging from premium leathers like Togo, Epsom, and Clemence to exotic such as crocodile and alligator. The hardware, often plated in palladium or gold, adds a touch of opulence, with some versions featuring 24k gold and diamonds.
The Kelly Bag’s high price tag is also a testament to its investment value. Like the Birkin, the Kelly has consistently appreciated in value over time, making it a coveted item among collectors. Its rarity, combined with its timeless design, ensures that it remains a symbol of sophistication.
Three Kelly bag facts
The sizes of the Kelly vary: 20, 25, 28, 28, 32 and 35 cm at the base. There are also limited editions of 15 and 40 cm.
There are two types of Hermès Kelly. The first is the Sellier, which is a rigid type and exhibits an exterior stitching. It is even more formal and sophisticated. The other is the Kelly Retourne, with hidden seams and softly rounded edges. It is made with softer leathers, which gives it a more relaxed and practical elegant style.
The Kelly design inspire other accessories such as a wallet. watch and belt. All with the name Kelly.
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