In 1837, Thierry Hermès (1801–78) founded his eponymous luxury goods company in Paris as a saddle manufacturer, serving the era’s carriage trade. In 1880, under the stewardship of Thierry's son Émile-Charles, fine riding gear was added to its offerings to complement the saddles. Hermès eventually expanded their workshops to design handbags in the years that followed. The Kelly bag, originally introduced as the Sac à dépêches (“the dispatch bag”) in 1935, was created by Robert Dumas, son-in-law to Thierry's grandson Émile-Maurice Hermès.
Designed for independent women who wanted a piece that was both luxurious and efficient, the Kelly bag has a trapezoid shape, two triangular gussets, a sculpted flap and a handle.
To this day, the understated bag comprises 36 individual leather pieces, 16 studs and a signature padlock and leather key cover, with three layers of leather at the base to ensure the bag can stand upright. Each Kelly bag takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches owe solely to one Hermès artisan.
The Kelly bag earned its name during preproduction on Alfred Hitchcock’s 1955 film, To Catch a Thief. Costume designer Edith Head sourced products from Hermès to outfit actress Grace Kelly, who fell in love with the Sac à Dépêches and continued to carry it long after the movie wrapped.
Months after marrying Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956, Kelly was spotted carrying a brown pigskin Sac to shield her pregnancy from the paparazzi. And while the oft-repeated claim that Kelly and her bag appeared on a Life magazine cover isn’t true, photography of the actress and her cherished accessory began to appear everywhere at the time, and the bag’s profile suddenly skyrocketed.
In 1977 Hermès officially changed the item’s name to the Kelly bag. Less than a decade later, Hermès introduced another top-handled bag to its line, also named after a style symbol, the Birkin bag.
The Paris-based British actress Jane Birkin sat next to Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas — Robert's son — on an Air France flight. He noticed her overflowing handbag, and she told him she longed for “a handbag that is bigger than the Kelly but smaller than Serge’s suitcase,” in reference to her then-romantic partner, the French musician Serge Gainsbourg. The Birkin bag was created in 1984, joining the Kelly in Hermès’ permanent collection.
Hermès 1990s Sac Kelly 25 Sellier Brown Crocodile Leather Hand Bag strap Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly Sellier bag, size 25, in dark brown Niloticus Crocodile exotic leather and gold-tone hardware. The interior is lined in matching leather and features one zipped pocket a...
Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne Togo Jaune Ambre GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Yellow / Jaune Ambre - Togo leather - Gold-tone hardware - Single top handle - Main compartment - Internal zip-fastening pocket - Internal patch pocket - Detachable shoulder strap ...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Bag Nata Chai and Gris Meyer Palladium Hardware Epsom
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Kelly 25 bag featured in Nata, Chai and Gris Meyer. A stunning combination of neutral hues to compliment a wide variety of your wardrobe. T...
HERMÈS BLACK CALF BOX LEATHER RETOURNÉ "KELLY" 35 "Sac à Dépêches"
By Hermès
Located in Kingston, NY
HERMÈS BLACK CALF BOX LEATHER RETOURNÉ "KELLY" "Sac à Dépêches" 35 WITH GOLD HARDWARE, 1957. Artist markings. Great Condition. Great condition, light wear. Black leather interior wi...
HERMES Casaque red Clemence leather KELLY 28 RETOURNE Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne bag is crafted in Rouge Casaque Taurillon Clemence leather with gold-plated hardware. The supple Retourne construction gives it a slightl...
Hermès Noisette Box Calf Leather Vintage Kelly 32cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Noisette Box Calf Leather Vintage Kelly 32cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1618 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 32cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: (H) Age: 197...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Gold Epsom Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This is an authentic Hermes Epsom Kelly Sellier 25 in Gold. This handbag is crafted of beautiful golden brown leather with white stitching. The bag features a sturdy rolled leather t...
Hermes Mini Kelly Sellier 20 Dore Metallic Chevre Chamkilight Leather Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This is an authentic HERMES Metallic Chevre Chamkilight Mini Kelly Sellier 20 in Dore. This handbag is crafted in stamped metallic gold Chevre Chamkilight goatskin leather. A leather...
Hermès Kelly II Mini Sellier Guimauve Veau Epsom PHW Stamp K
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Kelly II Mini Sellier Guimauve Veau Epsom PHW Stamp K The Hermès Kelly 20 in Guimauve Epsom Leather with Palladium Hardware is a captivating expression of refined femininity...
Hermès 2013 Kelly Bag Ruby Red Togo Leather 35cm Women's Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Ottawa, CA
Hermes Kelly Bag - Red - Togo Leather 35cm - New - NWOCTS 2409141505 Type : Hermes Kelly Base Size: 35cm Height: 27cm Depth: 13cm Weight: Material: Togo Cow Calf Leather - White Sti...
Hermès Black Novillo & Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Leather Touch Birkin 25cm Retou
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Black Novillo & Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Leather Touch Birkin 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1617 Brand: Hermès Model: Birkin 25cm Type: Top Handle Serial Numb...
Hermès Cadenas Kelly Caleche 24 Faubourg Refillable Perfume Spray Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly model bag spray, Kelly version (but it is the same for Calèche or 24 Faubourg) in silver metal with the Kelly bag padlock motif, delivered in its original box. The padlo...
HERMES orange Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Phw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag in orange Veau Epsom leather with palladium hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open pocket against the front and a zipper pocket...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 20 Argent Metallic Silver Chevre Chamkilight Palladium
By Hermès
Located in West Chester, PA
Hermes NEW Purcahsed in December 2025 from boutique Fresh out Hermes Called the Mini Kelly 20cm Just arrived from the Hermes Boutique Silver Argent Very very limited edition For ...
HERMES Gold camel Togo leather KELLY 28 RETOURNE Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne bag in Gold (camel) Veau Togo leather with gold plated hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with two open pockets against the front and a zip...
HERMES black Grainee leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 Retourne bag in black Vache Grainee leather featuring gold-tone hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with two open pockets against the front and a zip...
HERMES black Toile Militaire & Box leather KELLY 40 LAKIS Bag w Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 40 Lakis shoulder bag in black Toile Militaire and black Box leather featuring Palladium hardware. Lined in black goat skin leather. Has been carried and ...
Hermès Portefeuille pochette 2010 Kelly Black Epsom Leather Wallet Clutch Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly model wallet in black leather (Epsom) and silver metal (palladium), 2 large interior compartments separated by a zipped coin purse with pull tab in the Kelly padlock mot...
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Emerald Shiny Niloticus bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Emerald Shiny Niloticus bag. GHW. Plastic on the hardware. Beautiful emerald color with gold hardware. Excellent pre owned condition. P square stamp. Bag come...
HERMES black leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag w Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 Retourne bag in back Veau Togo leather with palladium hardware. Lined in black goat skin leather with two open pockets against the front and a zipper p...
HERMES Rouge H burgundy leather VIBRATO KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermes 'Kelly II 35 Retourne Vibrato' bag in Rouge H (burgund) Veau Evercalf leather with multicolor Vibrato panel. Rare limited edition. Lined in Rouge H Chèvre (goat skin) with two...
HERMES Gris Tourterelle grey Clemence leather & Palladium KELLY 35 Retourne Bag
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
Hermès "35cm Kelly Retourne" handbag in Gris Tourterelle Togo (Calfskin leather) with palladium hardware. Lined in Gris Tourterelle goat skin leather with two open pockets against th...
Hermes Kelly 35 in black Chevre with gold hardware 2003
By Hermès
Located in Sewickley, PA
Rare Collector’s Kelly ✨2003 Hermes Kelly 35 Sellier Chèvre GHW ✨ Our all time favorite Hermes leather Chèvre (goatskin) has a gorgeous brilliant shine , is waterproof and pretty muc...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 25 Ardoise Epsom Leather Electrum Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Kelly, in the Sellier style, is in Ardoise Epsom leather with electrum palladium and gold hardware, has tonal stitching, a front flap, two straps with center toggle closure, a c...
HERMES orange Togo leather KELLY 35 Retourne Bag w Gold
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Retourne bag is crafted from supple orange Veau Togo leather and finished with elegant gold-plated hardware. The soft Retourne construction gives ...
Hermes Kelly 35 Gold togo with palladium hardware bag
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Kelly 35 gold togo with palladium hardware bag. A classic sophisticated bag for your everyday needs. This opulent accessory exudes luxury and elegance with its impeccable cr...
Hermes Kelly Touch 25 Retourne Bag Black Lizard Togo Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 25 Touch bag featured in classic Black. Gleaming Black Lizard handle and straps, lock and clochette, are a rich...
Hermès Rose Scheherazade Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Kelly 20cm II
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rose Scheherazade Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Kelly 20cm II Product Details Xupes Ref: MML017 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm II Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Seria...
Hermès Black Tadelakt Leather Cheval De Bois Wooden Horse Kelly Elan
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Tadelakt Leather Cheval De Bois Wooden Horse Kelly Elan Product Details Xupes Ref: MML016 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly Elan Type: Clutch, Shoulder, Top Handle Serial Numb...
Hermès Kelly 32 Pink Magnolia PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Elevate your wardrobe with this classic Kelly bag by Hermès. Adorned in a delicate pink magnolia hue, the Kelly 32 is a timeless classic. Perfect for any occasion, its luxurious des...
Hermes Kelly Retourne 25 Black Togo Leather With Gold Hardware Designer Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This is an authentic HERMES Togo Kelly Retourne 25 in Black. This handbag is handcrafted of black calfskin leather. The bag features a rolled leather...
Hermès Kelly 32 Sellier Black Box Leather Gold Hardware with Strap
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Condition: GOOD condition Overall moderate signs of use. Cracks and paint on handle (medium) Outside edge scraped (small) Outside scuffs and dirt (medium) Dark stains (medium...
HERMES Potiron orange Togo leather KELLY 35 RETOURNE Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Kelly 35 Retourne bag in Potiron (pumpkin orange) Taurillon Clemence leather with gold-tone hardware. Lined in orange goat skin leather with two open pockets ag...
HERMES Lime yellow Epsom leather KELLY 25 SELLIER Bag Ghw
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier bag is crafted from luxurious Lime (bright yellow) Veau Epsom leather, featuring elegant gold-plated hardware. The interior is lined in pr...
Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne 1976 Gold Box Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne 1976 Gold Box Leather Gold Hardware These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Condition: FAIR to GOOD Scratches and dirt on the out...
Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne 1976 Gold Box Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne 1976 Gold Box Leather Gold Hardware These are professional photos of the actual bag offered by Luxbags. Condition: FAIR to GOOD Scratches and dirt on the out...
Hermes Kelly 36 Noir Epsom Leather With Gold Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Elevate your collection with this timeless Hermès Kelly 36, crafted in the iconic Noir Epsom leather. Known for its refined structure, and exceptional ...
1992 Hermes Kelly dark Blue navy size 35
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
1992 Hermes Kelly 35 in dark Blue navy with Gold hardware. Hardware and shoulder strap have been replaced by Hermes. The bag comes with dustbag and n...
Hermès Sac Herbag Black Canvas Leather Back Pack x2 Pristine Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Herbag model bag in 2 versions to carry by hand or as a backpack, composed of a small Kelly bag format pouch in black canvas and a larger Kelly Ado bag format, mobile part in ...
Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Rose Scheherazade Alligator Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Kelly 20 Sellier bag featured in stunning Rose Scheherazade alligator. Accentuated with crisp with palladium hardware. Timeless and highly ...
Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne Bag Vert d'Eau Matte Alligator with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne bag featured in sublime Vert d'Eau Matte Alligator. Timeless and chic, this gorgeous Kelly bag only grows more beautiful as it ages, sho...
Hermes Kelly Pochette Clutch Bag Tangerine Lizard with Ruthinium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes exquisite Kelly Pochette bag featured in thirst quenching Tangerine Lizard. Complimented with the Ruthinium hardware. Signature stamp on interior. Small interior compartment. ...
Hermes Kelly 20 Teddy Pluch Gris Caillou Grizzly Shearling
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Hermes limited edition Kelly 20 Pluch "Teddy" is a stunning creation, crafted in Gris Caillou Grizzly and Etoupe Swift leather, complimented by Mouton Merinos (Sh...
Hermes Kelly 15 Micro Bag Sellier Black Box Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Limited edition Vintage Hermes Kelly 15 Micro Sellier bag featured in Black Heritage Box leather accentuated with Gold hardware. D...
New Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Noir Black Epsom Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Noir Black Epsom Gold Hardware New Never used. A Collectors Piece Measurements : 22cm High x 28cm Wide x 10cm Deep The Kelly bag came to success when it was ...
Hermes Kelly HSS 20 Sellier Craie Etoupe Mini Bag Gold Hardware Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly HSS 20 Sellier bag featured in coveted Craie and Etoupe. A warm neutral color combination for year round wear. Epsom leather accentuated with Gold h...
Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne Bag Black Matte Alligator Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne bag presented in classic Black Matte Alligator. Timeless and chic, this gorgeous Kelly bag only grows more beautiful as it ages, showcas...
Hermes Gold Kelly 25cm Tan Sellier Shoulder Bag NEW IN BOX
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Gold Kelly 25cm Tan Sellier Shoulder Bag The most wanted bag and the only one you need this spring summer! Brand New in Box. Store Fresh. Pr...
Hermes Gold Kelly 20 Mini Kelly 20cm Epsom Bag New in Box
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Mini Gold Kelly 20cm Epsom Bag Brand New in Box. Store Fresh. Pristine Condition (with plastic on hardware) Perfect gift! Comes full set with sh...
Hermes Kelly 28cm Craie "Chalk" Off White Epsom Sellier Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Kelly 28cm Craie "Chalk" Off White Epsom Sellier Bag Craie with Palladium Hardware is spectacular in person! Brand New in Box. Store Fresh. Pristine Condition (with plastic on hardware). Perfect gift! Comes full set with keys, lock, clochette, shoulder strap, sleeper, rain protector, and Hermes box. Craie is the most coveted neutral from Hermes due to its elegance and rare production. Craie ("Chalk") accented with fresh Palladium hardware appears more white than with gold hardware, and is so sleek and sexy! Ideal for the modern fashionista that favors platinum jewelry, Craie with Palladium is a true off-white neutral that complements every color, all four seasons. In the 28cm Sellier construction, this Craie Kelly...
Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Blue Jean Bag Epsom Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier bag featured in New Bleu Jean. The iconic Hermes Blue Jean is finally reintroduced in limited quantity and is gorgeous for year ro...
Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Blue Indigo Matte Alligator Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a men's Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch featured in Bleu Indigo matte Alligator. Fabulous Hermes wristlet clutch that i...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Vert Criquet Bag Epsom Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 bag featured in fresh Vert Criquet. Stunning Hermes light green that is absolutely neutral. Epsom leather accentuates colours beautiful...
Hermès Etain Clemence Retourne Kelly 28 GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès Etain Clemence Retourne Kelly 28 GHW SKU: Z149080 Condition Description: Officially renamed in 1977, the Hermès Kelly was originally called the Sac à Dépêches (which translat...
Hermes Kelly 25 Gold Bi-Color Jaune Ambre Verso Shoulder Bag Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Kelly 25 Gold Bi-Color Jaune Ambre Verso Shoulder Bag Bag A rare and coveted Kelly 25cm combining two of Hermes' best colors, Gold and Jau...
Hermes Kelly Cut Braise Crocodile Clutch Bag Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Kelly Cut bag featured in vivid Braise Niloticus Crocodile. This exquisite lipstick red Hermes clutch i...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Blue Frida Bag Gold Hardware Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an exquisite Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier bag featured in richly saturated Bleu Frida. This exotic Hermes Kelly bag colour is a beautiful ...
Hermes Kelly 25cm Black Togo Palladium Shoulder Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Kelly 25cm Black Togo Palladium Shoulder Bag A most superb mini black Kelly that exudes an effortless elegance. Brand New in Box. Store Fresh. Pristine Condition (with plasti...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 32 Tri-Colour Poussiere Poudre Ficelle Crocodile
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 32 Sellier bag featured in a rare tri-colour Porosus Crocodile. The perfect neutral palette of Poussiere, Poudre and Ficelle. No longer produced thi...
Hermes Kelly Kellywood 22 Wood Kelly Barenia Leather Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an exquisite limited edition Hermes Kellywood "Kelly Wood" 22 bag featured in bog oak and Barenia leather. Not since the Sterling Ke...
These celebrities prove that the famous design works with both sleek dresses and streetwear.
Who would have guessed the handbags belonged to one of the show's producers?
This suede-and-shearling version of the famous design debuted 20 years ago, during Jean-Paul Gaultier's tenure as creative director.
From a house that specializes in covetable objects, this version of the Kelly is the rarest of finds.
Of the million-plus items on 1stdibs, some seem to have transcended time, looking as fresh today as when they were first produced. The pieces highlighted on our new Iconic Designs page stand out for longevity, functionality and quality of design and manufacture — just the tonic for the present unsettled moment.
A symbol of luxury and elegance, the design has a storied past and a legion of devoted collectors.