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.
2023 Hermès Kelly to Go Epsom Pale Pink leather palladium hardware
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès Kelly To Go Epsom leather palladium hardware Removable shoulder strap. Can easily be worn crossbody or as a clutch. Colour name pale pink. This bag is from 2023, stamp "B", in...
Hermès Pochette Kelly Clutch Special Order Green Criquette and Bamboo green NEW
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès Pochette Kelly Clutch Special Order Green Criquette and Bamboo green NEW A new Hermes Kelly in special order in two colours still with box and invoice. Modello:Kelly Clutch Me...
1992 Hermès Bordeau 32 cm box Leather Retourne Kelly Bag
By Hermès
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Beautiful 1992 bordeau box leather retourne Kelly bag with shoulder strap, lock and clochette. Nicely aged patina with typical signs of u...
Brand New Hermes Black Mini Kelly 20 HSS verso Gold
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Mini Kelly 20 Hermès Neuf Jamais porté, HSS Commande Spéciale en cuir Epsom Noir verso Gold - stamp K de 2025. Tous les plastiques de protection sont présents sur les parties métalli...
Hermès 1990s Bracelet Kelly Black Leather Golden Metal Bracelet Bangle Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly bangle bracelet (circa 1990) in gold-tone metal and fine black leather, featuring a Kelly charm and the Hermès signature above the Kelly clasp (unfortunately not picture...
Hermès 2026 Sac Kelly 25 Sellier II Black Canvas Leather Bag Hermes New in box
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly II Sellier bag, size 25, in black canvas and leather with silver-tone (palladium) hardware. The black leather interior features one zipped pocket and one double slip poc...
Hermès Breloque Bijou Sac Kelly Twilly Precious Black Leather Kelly Charm Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly charm in black leather and gold-tone metal, lined with black leather, handle wrapped with a Twilly silk twill ribbon, comes in its mini...
Hermes Kelly Cut Gris Elephant Porosus Crocodile Clutch Bag Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermès Kelly Cut Gris Elephant Porosus Crocodile with Gold Hardware This Hermès Kelly Cut is crafted in Gris Elephant Porosus crocodile, offering...
Hermès Kelly 28 vert kiwi candy collection epsom leather
By Hermès
Located in Capri, IT
Hermès Kelly 28 vert kiwi candy collection epsom leather This is a pre-owned Hermès Kelly Handbag. It is bicolor Candy Kiwi with palladium hardwa...
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...
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 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 ...
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...
$13,095Sale Price|25% Off
Hermès 1992 Vintage Kelly 35 Dark blue Navy Handbag with Gold Hardware
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 Black Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details MML060 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: G Age: 2026 Accompanied By: Hermès Dus...
Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 Bag Bai Brun Ecru Toile H Swift and Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
The Hermès Kelly 25 in Bai Brun and Toile offers a refined interpretation of the classic silhouette through a combination of rich leather and textured canvas. This pairing introduces...
Hermès Mauve Sylvestre Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Mauve Sylvestre Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: MML056 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Sho...
Hermès Mauve Sylvestre Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Mauve Sylvestre Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details MML057 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Seria...
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...
Hermès Gold Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Gold Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: MML043 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: G Age: 2026 Accompanied By: ...
Hermes Kelly 28 Gold with Gold Hardware Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Sellier Gold Kelly 28 Bag. Gold hardware. Epsom sellier. Good condition. Vintage Kelly. Nice structure. Interior clean. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag. Guarantee...
Hermes Kelly 32 Retourne Etoupe Togo Leather GHW Gold Hardware Stamp D 2019
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Slight signs of use, minor scratches on hardware, clean inside and out. Accessories: Dust Bag,lock,key,shoulder Strap size: Width:32cm,height:23cm Designer: Hermes Mod...
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 K stamp Just arrived from the Hermes Boutique Silver Argent Very very limited editi...
Hermes Kelly 25 Rouge Tomate Red Swift Leather Palladium Hardwear Y Stamp 2020
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition:Slight signs of use, clean inside and out. Accessories: shoulder strap,key,lock,dust bag size: Width:25cm Designer: Hermes Model: kelly25 Exterior Material: Leather E...
Hermes Kelly 28 Cactus Matte Niloticus Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Kelly 28 Cactus Matte Niloticus Bag GHW. Bag is in great pre owned condition. Minor wear. R stamp. Plastic on the metal. Comes with dust bag, box, strap, Clochette,keys and lo...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 Gold Epsom Leather With Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Hermès Kelly 28 Epsom Sellier Gold Hardware. This Kelly Sellier bag in the color Gold is made of durable Epsom Leather with Gold Hardware. A lock...
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 Togo & Varanus Niloticus Lizard Leather Touch Kelly 25cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Togo & Varanus Niloticus Lizard Leather Touch Kelly 25cm Retourne Product Details CB1692 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: Z Ag...
Hermes Kelly 25 Blue Atoll Epsom w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A striking expression of Hermès craftsmanship, this Kelly 25 is rendered in Blue Atoll Epsom leather, a luminous shade inspired by the crystalline waters of a tropical lagoon. Fresh,...
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 Bamboo Clemence Kelly 32 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Bamboo Kelly 32 Bag. Gold hardware. Clemence leather. Interior clean. Vibrant green color. Good conditio Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag. Guaranteed authentic.
Hermès Bambou Chevre Mysore Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Bambou Chevre Mysore Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details MML058 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: U Age: 2022 Accompanied By: H...
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 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 28 Bleu Lin Retourne Epsom w/Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne in Bleu Lin Epsom leather with gold hardware embodies a softer interpretation of luxury, pairing the graceful lines of the Kelly with one of Hermès’ most...
Hermès Kelly 25 Retourne Beton Togo Leather With Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Kelly 25 in Beton Togo with Palladium hardware. Togo is the house's most popular grained calfskin, valued for its scratch resistance and ability to hold structure while de...
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...
Bracelet Clic Cadenas PM Black Enamel Silver Kelly Locker Bangle S Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Clic Cadenas bracelet in silver-plated metal (palladium) and black enamel, clasp similar to the Kelly bag. Size PM or international XS/S for a wrist of up to 16 cm; bracelet w...
Enamel
Hermès Porte cles Touquet Margiela Black Leather Kelly Key Holder Hermes
By Hermès, Martin Margiella
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès "Touquet" model key holder by Martin Margiela, inspired by the clochette and strap found on Kelly, Birkin, or Bolide bags. Crafted from black Box leather (with matching graine...
Box 32 vintage black G square
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Vintage Box Black Kelly 32 Bag. Highly desired box leather. Smooth leather with gold hardware. Good condition for vintage. Interior clean. Includes clochette, lock, keys, dust...
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...
Hermès Kelly Voyage Travel 50cm Grey Evercolor Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Experience the ultimate expression of refined travel luxury with the Hermès Kelly Voyage Travel 50cm, an exceptionally rare and sophisticated inter...
Hermès Etoupe & Nata Chèvre Mysore Leather HSS Kelly 20cm II Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Etoupe & Nata Chèvre Mysore Leather Special Order HSS Kelly 20cm II Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1691 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm II Type: Top Handle, Shoulder ...
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 Limited Edition Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Beton Matte Alligator Bag Gold Hard
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a Limited Edition Hermes Kelly 20 Sellier bag featured in Beton Matte Alligator. This mini Kelly bag is light gray with bone undertone (beton + concrete), and the n...
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 ...
Hermès Black Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Kelly 20cm II Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Black Shiny Mississippiensis Alligator Leather Kelly 20cm II Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: MML038 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm II Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial N...
$23,210
Hermes Kelly 32 Toile Rouge
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
This Hermès Kelly 32 Sellier is an old time favourite. Meticulously made entirely by hand from natural Toile it is lined with evenly-grained Courchevel ...
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 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...
Rose Jaipur and Gold Candy Epsom Leather Kelly 35 Retourne Permabrass Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès introduced the playful Candy collection as a fresh interpretation of its iconic handbags, pairing vibrant exterior colors with contrasting interiors and hardware. This 2012 Ke...
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...
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...
Hermés Kelly II Retourne 25 Gold Veau Togo Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A classic Hermès Kelly II Retourne 25cm handbag. The exterior of this Kelly features the Retourne style in Gold Veau Togo leather and is complemented by gold hardware and tonal stitc...
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 Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Bag Black Galop D'Hermes Leather with Palladium H
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch featured in Black very rare Galop D'Hermes Vache leather. Timeless with a flat grain, this lea...
Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Blue Jean Bag Epsom Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers the Hermès Kelly 20 in Blue Jean offers a distinctive interpretation of the classic silhouette through one of the house’s most beloved archival colors. With its sof...
HERMES PIMENT red Swift leather KELLY 25 RETOURNE Bag w Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne bag in Rouge Piment red Veau Swift leather with palladium hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open ...
Hermès Kelly Touch 25 Togo Noir Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Hermès Kelly Touch 25 Noir Lezard/Togo Permabrass Hardware This exclusive Hermès Kelly 25 Touch is is one of these true collector's items. It's handmad...
Hermes Kelly Messenger PM Bag Vert Yucca Evercolor Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Messenger PM small model bag featured in Vert Yucca. A true unisex bag in a chic desert inspired green! Versat...
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.