The Kelly bag, created by Thierry Hermès, is undeniably one of the most iconic pieces from the luxury brand. Originally designed as the “Haut à Courroies” bag in 1892 for equestrian use, it underwent a transformation in 1935 by saddler Robert Dumas-Hermès. The bag was reduced in size and given a more feminine touch, resulting in immediate success.
However, it wasn’t until 1958 that the bag truly skyrocketed in popularity. Princess Grace Kelly famously used her Hermès bag to conceal her pregnancy while disembarking from a plane, which captured media attention and greatly impacted the brand. In honor of the princess, the bag was then renamed the “Kelly.”
The Kelly bag is distinguished by its signature closure of two leather straps and a small padlock. It is also equipped with four protective studs on the base to prevent wear. The bag comes in a range of colors and materials, with leather being the preferred choice. There are eight different sizes available, with a detachable shoulder strap added in the 1960s.
Crafted with the most luxurious materials, such as lambskin, crocodile, ostrich, grained calf, and Clemence bull, the production of a new Kelly bag requires a waiting period of three to four years. It takes approximately 20 hours of manual labor and linen thread seams to create each bag. Notably, each bag is meticulously crafted by a single artisan and bears a unique stamp identifying its production year, workshop, and craftsman.
Hermès has also introduced various unique variations of the Kelly bag. Luxury department stores have collaborated to create one-of-a-kind versions, such as a chocolate Kelly bag, a plexiglass Kelly bag, and an embroidered version by Lesage. The brand has also expanded the Kelly line to include clutches, Mini Pochette Kelly bags, and long Kelly bags. Additionally, new variations of the Kelly bag, such as the Kelly wallet, the So Kelly bucket bag, and the Toolbox bag, have been introduced.
The Kelly bag has garnered immense recognition and has become a symbol of the French way of life. Its price has multiplied by 3.5 over the past decade, and it continues to fetch high prices at auctions. Alongside the Birkin bag, it represents a significant portion of Hermès’ sales in terms of volume.
In conclusion, the Kelly bag by Hermès remains a testament to impeccable craftsmanship and timeless elegance. It captivates women worldwide and continues to be a coveted fashion accessory.
Useful links:
1. Hermès – The Story of the Kelly Bag
2. Vogue – The Complete History of the Hermès Kelly Bag
