Kelly Nude Bag
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
2010s Contemporary Color Photography
Archival Pigment
21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags
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1960s Modern Nude Photography
Black and White
1990s French Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags
1990s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
2010s Structured Shoulder Bags
20th Century French Suitcases and Trunks
1990s Italian Aesthetic Evening Dresses
Early 2000s Italian Tote Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Nude Photography
Photographic Paper, Pigment
2010s French Structured Shoulder Bags
2010s Contemporary Nude Photography
Archival Pigment
2010s Contemporary Nude Photography
Archival Pigment, Rag Paper
Early 2000s French Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags
Early 2000s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Photographic Paper, Photographic Film, Silver Gelatin
2010s Italian Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
1990s Contemporary Figurative Photography
Archival Paper, Black and White, Archival Pigment, Photographic Film, Pi...
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1990s Italian Top Handle Bags
1990s French Shoulder Bags
Late 20th Century French Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
Late 20th Century Italian Top Handle Bags
Late 20th Century Spanish Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
Late 20th Century French Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary French Clutches
21st Century and Contemporary Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary Handbags and Purses
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
1990s Skirt Suits
Finding the Right handbags-purses-bags for You
An integral part of fashion, handbags and purses have been indispensable accessories ever since we began to carry around personal items. Level of craftsmanship, style and shape matters — from coin purses in ancient Greece to early 20th-century opera bags and onward, handbags have evolved considerably over the years to meet our needs and desires, whether or not you happen to be prioritizing functionality over a flashy exterior.
Once, a single “It” handbag ruled each fashion season. No more. Today, lovers of vintage handbags are savvier and have a wider range of shopping options. Nevertheless, classics created by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior and Balenciaga still rule.
“It is not a fashion bag — it is a statement bag,” says Mightychic's Debra Kent of Hermès's widely beloved accessories. “When you carry an iconic Hermès bag — Birkin, Kelly, Constance — no one knows how long you have been into this culture or if you are a newbie. Your status is validated immediately.”
First released in 1997, Fendi's Baguette rose to fame along with Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker. Recently, the design has seen such a resurgence in popularity that Fendi has reissued it.
They are part of design history, so owning a handbag has meaning. As New York–based fashion historian Sarah C. Byrd says, “You have made the choice to invest in this piece because you understand the value of it in the past and in the future to come.”
From a 1980s Chanel black leather quilted mini buckle bag to the rare Hermès Birkin 30cm Himalayan with diamond hardware to a range of 19th-century bags, find a rich variety of vintage and designer handbags and purses spanning numerous brands on 1stDibs — seasonal “It” designation no longer needed.
- When was the Kelly bag invented?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The Kelly bag was invented in 1935. Originally introduced as the Sac à dépêches (“the dispatch bag”), the Kelly was created by Robert Dumas, son-in-law to founder Thierry Hermès’ grandson Émile-Maurice Hermes. Grace Kelly made the bag famous by carrying one throughout the 1950s. In 1977, the French luxury fashion house renamed the bag after the actress and Princess of Monaco. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Hermès Kelly handbags.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Both the Birkin and Kelly bags are luxurious handbags crafted by Hermès. The Birkin features two top handles in the style of a tote, while the Kelly bag features a single top handle and a shoulder strap for versatile carrying. Browse a collection of authentic Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags from top boutiques worldwide on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To know if a Hermès Kelly bag is real, start by examining the handle. Ones produced after 2001 feature double D-ring hardware, and on all authentic Kelly bags, the handle has a flat underside and a curved top. Replicas often have a completely curved or flat handle design. You can also check the metallic foil heat stamp found under the front flap. Bags made after 1954 will read "Hermès Paris Made in France." On 1stDibs, shop a selection of expertly vetted Hermès Kelly bags.
- What is the best size kelly bag?1 Answer
ChicjoySeptember 24, 2020A 32cm, 28cm, or 35cm Kelly would be best for daytime wear, while a 25cm, 20cm Kelly, Kelly Pochette, or Kelly Cut would be best for the evening. The best size would also depend on the stature and build of the woman or man, the occasion, and his or her ensemble. A dark 32cm or 35cm Retourne Kelly in Clemence may be appropriate for a business meeting, while a bright or jewel-toned selliier Kelly 25cm or Kelly Pochette may be ideal for a dinner date.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Whether a Kelly Pochette is a quota bag depends on the materials it’s made from and which Hermès boutique you visit. In some locations, Hermès is believed to be limiting the quantity of the Jean Paul Gaultier-designed accessory that can be sold, particularly if it is made of exotic materials such as ostrich leather. Contact the specific boutique where you wish to shop for more information. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Hermès Kelly Pochette bags.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A mini Kelly bag is about $8,000. The original Kelly bag, which is about double the size of the mini, was originally introduced as the Sac à dépêches (“the dispatch bag”) in 1935, and the company officially changed the item’s name to the Kelly bag in 1977. Hermès didn’t design the mini version until 2016. Find your Hermes Mini Kelly bag on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 14, 2023
Whether or not the Hermès Kelly bag is a good investment will depend upon a range of factors such as condition, rarity and more. Experts have reported that luxury handbags, including the Hermès Kelly, have made for good investments over the years.
A study of luxury investments in 2019 found that luxury handbags had the highest returns (the Hermès Birkin bag fared considerably well on the list). Owing in part to exclusiveness and popularity, most Hermès accessories are substantially more expensive and sought after now than when they debuted, and the Kelly, which was created by Robert Dumas and originally introduced as the Sac à dépêches in 1935, has an average value retention of 108%.
Determining the value of any collectible depends upon a variety of aspects. In the case of assessing the value of a Hermès Kelly bag, you should consider color, size, condition, the type of leather and purchase price.
At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Buyers should keep in mind that the value of any investment is subject to fluctuation, and any investment decisions should be made according to the guidance of a financial advisor. Find a range of Hermès Kelly bags on 1stDibs.
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