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 2020 Rose Shocking Chevre Mysore Leather Mini Kelly 20cm II Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rose Shocking Chevre Mysore Leather Mini Kelly 20cm II Sellier Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm II Product Title: Rose Shocking Chevre Mysore Leather Mini Kell...
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Black Box Leather Palladium Hardware Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Kelly Sellier 28 in Black Box leather that represents one of the most timeless and collectible expressions of the iconic Kelly. Black Box is one of the g...
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 ...
Natural Kelly 32 Unisex Structured Shoulder Bag - Excellent Condition
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Natural Kelly 32 Swift Leather Bag. Light tan color. Smooth leather. Good condition. Restored at Hermes spa treatment. Gold hardware. Vintage Kelly bag. Interior clean. Includ...
$7,752Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 25 Purple Epsom Leather Palladium Hardware 2026 Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
An exquisite 2026 Hermès Kelly Sellier 25 handbag, beautifully crafted from luxurious purple Epsom calfskin leather and accented with polished palladium hardware. The iconic Kelly Se...
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 ...
Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Black Galop d'Hermes Vache Leather Gold Rare
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermès Kelly Dépêches 25 Pouch in Black which is an exceptionally rare interpretation of this sleek and sophisticated design, crafted in distinctive Galop d'Hermès Vache leather...
Hermes Rouge Casaque Kelly 32 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Rouge Casaque Kelly 32 Bag. Excellent condition. Red togo leather. Unique strap. Navy and red. Interior clean. Silver palladium hardware. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and 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 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 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...
Hermes Kelly 25 Bamboo Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
A stunning example of Hermès craftsmanship, this Kelly 25 handbag is crafted from Bamboo green Togo leather. The soft yet structured body holds its shape beautifully, offering a vers...
Hermès Rouge H Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge H Shiny Porosus Crocodile Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Product Details Xupes Ref: JJLG146 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: [B] Ag...
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Brown Epsom Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Kelly 28 Epsom Sellier Gold and Ambre bag. PHW. Y stamp. 2020 year. Excellent condition. Bag comes with box, felt, dust bag, strap, keys,...
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. Rest of Boutique Stock. Measurements : 22cm High x 28cm Wide x 10cm D...
Hermes Mini Picnic Kelly 20 Rouge de Coeur Swift Osier Wicker Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Hermes Mini Picnic Kelly, crafted in 2020, is a delightful fusion of traditional craftsmanship and whimsical design. This exquisite bag combines Rouge de Coeur Swift leather wit...
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...
Hermès 2009 Sienne Clemence Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Sienne Clemence Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1452 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 35cm Type: Top Handle Serial Number: [M]...
HERMÉS KELLY BAG 2 WAY 35 cm CHEVRE LEATHER, black, collection B - 1998
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
HERMÉS KELLY BAG 35 cm, black Chevre leather (Made in France), Collection B = 1998 and in very good condition! CHEVRE LEATHER - very insentive! Measurement: Width of the bag 35 cm...
Hermes Kelly 32 Bag Matte Fauve Barenia Porosus Crocodile Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermès Kelly 32 in exceptionally rare matte Fauve Barenia Porosus crocodile, finished with Gold hardware. A remarkable process of oiling and detail emerge into the skin for the Baren...
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...
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 Kelly Depeches 25 Etain togo phw
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Bag in Etain colour, togo Leather with Palladium Hardware. K stamp 2025 production. Detachable wristlet strap. Brand new with box, dust bag and receipt
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...
Hermes Kelly 25 Bubblegum Purple Two-Tone Swift Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
Wonderful Hermes Kelly 25 cm handbag in Bubblegum / Purple Swift leather, hardware in Palladium, simple handle in Bubblegum Swift leather, one removable strap in Bubblegum Swift leat...
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...
HERMÉS KELLY BAG, 2 way, 35 cm, Epson leather, H in squer, Kollektion 2004
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
HERMÉS KELLY BAG, 2 way, 35 cm, Epson leather in brown and ornage, inside the bag, H in squer, collektion 2004, Customized design, verry good condition, Made in France Dimensions: ...
Hermes Kelly Moove Black Swift Calfskin Leather Palladium Hardware Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Kelly Moove Black swift calfskin leather with palladium hardware features tonal stitching, a round half-moon shape, pull straps attached to a toggle closure, and an adjustable f...
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...
Hermes Kelly Pochette Ostrich Clutch Gris Perle
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Kelly Pochette Ostrich Clutch in Gris Perle with gold hardware. This Hermes bag features a small top handle, a cross over flap, and a str...
Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Blue Ocean Galop D'Hermes Vache Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch featured in Bleu Ocean very rare Galop D'Hermes Vache leather. Timeless richly satu...
Hermès Bleu Electric & Gris Tourterelle Togo Leather Special Order HSS Kelly 28
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Bleu Electric & Gris Tourterelle Togo Leather Special Order HSS Kelly 28cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1475 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 28cm Type: Top Handle, Sho...
Hermès Kelly Sellier 25 Tri-Color Etoupe Craie Trench Epsom Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Tri-color Kelly, in the Sellier style, is in Etoupe, Craie, and Trench Epsom leather with palladium hardware and has tonal stitching, front flap, two straps with center toggle c...
Hermès Violet Epsom 32 cm Kelly Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Hermès Violet Epsom 32 cm Kelly Sellier is in pristine condition with the protective plastic intact on the hardware. Hermès bags ...
Hermès 2012 Geranium Togo Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Geranium Togo Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1443 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 35cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: [P] Age: 2012 Accompanie...
Hermes Kelly 25 Nata with gold hardware bag
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Kelly 25 Nata colour Epsom leather with gold hardware bag. All stickers on, in new condition. Comes with everything, box, dustbag, detachable strap, clochette lock and keys, r...
Hermes Kelly 28 Rouge Grenat Epsom Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This bag, defined as “simple and perfectly made”, exists in many combinations of leathers (around 20) and countless colors. Created in eight different sizes ranging from 15 to 50cm, ...
$8,475Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Kelly 28 Vintage Retourne Black Swift Leather Gold Hardware 1998
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Condition: GOOD ORIGINAL CONDITION Overall moderate signs of use. Scratches on leather and hardware. Light stains on the inside. Cracks on the resin. Light cracks on the side flap. ...
Hermès Kelly II Retourne 35cm Graphite Veau Taurillon Clemence PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely Hermès Kelly II Retourne 35cm bag. The exterior of this Kelly is crafted in Graphite Veau Taurillon Clemence leather and is detailed with palladium hardware. It features a f...
Hermès Kelly Mini II Tricolore Verso Craie/Mauve Pale/Gold Veau Epsom PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous Hermès Kelly Mini II Tricolore Verso handbag. The exterior of this Kelly Mini features Craie, Mauve Pale and Gold Veau Epsom leather and is compl...
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
Hermés Kelly Sellier 25cm Rose Pourpre Epsom PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A spectacular Hermès 25cm Kelly bag. The exterior of this Kelly features a Sellier style in Rose Pourpre leather. The Rose Pourpre leather is complemented with palladium hardware and...
Hermès Kelly 28cm Epsom Sellier Jaune de Naples Yellow With Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Hermès Kelly 28cm Sellier is crafted in structured Epsom leather, offering a crisp, sculpted silhouette that holds its shape with effortless elegance. The Jaune de Naples...
Hermes Mini Kelly II 20 Vert d'eau Matte Alligator Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
This Hermes Kelly, in the Sellier style, is in Vert D’Eau Matte Alligator leather with gold hardware and has tonal stitching, two straps with front toggle closure, single rolled hand...
Red Epsom Sellier Kelly 35 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Red Kelly 35 Bag. Epsom sellier leather. Palladium silver hardware. Good condition. Interior clean. O stamp from 2011. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag. Guaranteed...
Hermes Kelly 32 Black Togo Leather Gold Hardware Handbag Top Handle Bag 2017
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition Normal wear and tear, worn edges, scratches on hardware, clean interior. Accessories Key&Lock&Shoulder Strap Size Width: 32cm Designer Hermes Model Kelly 32 Exterior Mater...
Hermes Etoupe Kelly 25 Swift Padded Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers an Hermès Etoupe Kelly 25 in Swift leather that is an elegant and refined piece. The warm taupe hue complements the soft, supple texture of Swift leather, wh...
Hermès Vintage Women's Kelly Pochette Black Swift Leather Bag with PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
This authentic Hermès Kelly Pochette in Black Swift leather is a refined miniature interpretation of the iconic Hermès Kelly bag, crafted in smooth black Swift leather with sleek pal...
Hermès Kelly 28cm Evercolor Blue Hydra with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Hermès Kelly 28cm is crafted in Evercolor leather, known for its structured, durable texture and soft, refined touch. The Blue Hydra hue offers a serene, luminous presence that ...
Hermes Kelly Idole Mini Quelle Bag Charm Sable Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a very rare limited edition Hermes Kelly Idole bag charm featured in Sable, Nata, H Orange and Brique Tadelakt leather. Whimsical and delightful this fabulous charm...
Hermes Kelly 25 Black box leather with palladium hardware handbag
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Kelly 25 in Black color, box leather and palladium hardware handbag. A very rare bag in box leather and palladium hardware that is such a classic timeless combo. Year 2025 Com...
Hermès 1995 Framboise & Black Veau Doblis Suede Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Framboise & Black Veau Doblis Suede Vintage Kelly 20cm Sellier Product Details Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm Product Title: Framboise & Black Veau Doblis Suede Vintage Kel...
Hermès Kelly 28 Retourne Togo Leather Jaune Ambre Unisex Handbag 2018
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 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...
Hermès Black Lizard Micro Kelly Bag Charm with Twilly
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Hermès Micro Kelly bag charm is crafted in sleek black lizard leather, offering a textured, glossy surface that feels refined and tactile. Its min...
HERMÉS KELLY Retourne 32 cm bag in toile beige, Courchevel blue leather 1995s
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Iconic Hermès "Kelly Retourne" 32 cm 2 way bag (Made in France), beige Canvas and ''Courchevel dark blue leather. Stamped with Y - 1995. Measurement Height 23 cm - Width of t...
$13,265Sale Price|30% Off
Hermes Kelly 32 vert cru, Jaune, blue thalassa Clemence leather Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Kelly 32 Tri-color Vert Cru, Jaune, Blue Thalassa Bag. Clemence leather. G stamp from 2003. Good condition. Rare tri-color combo bag. Interior clean. Includes clochette, lock,...
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 Pochette Feu Orange Epsom Leather Palladium Hardware Rare Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Kelly Pochette Feu Orange. Epsom Leather Complimented by Palladium Hardware. Excellent Pristine Condition Plastic on All Hardware. Buy with confidence ...
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.