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.
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 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 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 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...
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 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 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...
Hermes Kelly Retourne 35 Sanguine Matte Alligator Bag with Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a rare Hermes Retourne 35 Kelly bag featured in Sanguine Matte Alligator. Warm clay red with orange undertone makes this a fabulou...
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...
Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier Rose Pourpre Bag Chevre Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 20 Mini Sellier bag featured in rich Rose Pourpre. Chevre leather accentuated with Palladium hardware. Comes with signature Hermes box, shoulder st...
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...
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...
$32,595
Hermes Etain Kelly 25 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Etain Kelly 25 Bag. Epsom sellier leather. Gold hardware. Excellent like new condition. Interior clean. Most wanted size and color. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust ba...
Hermes Kelly 25 Quadrille Viking Toile Black White Sellier Limited Edition Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an exquisite Hermes Kelly Quadrille 25 Sellier bag featured in crisp Black and White Viking toile. Very rare to find in the 25 cm si...
Hermes Kelly Depeches 38 Briefcase Electric Blue Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes coveted Kelly Depeches 38 briefcase. Very rare in Electric Blue. Epsom leather with Palladium hardware. Two large accord...
Sac Hermès Kelly 28 Bicolore Blanc & Bleu 2006 bandoulière
By Hermès
Located in SÈVRES, FR
Découvrez ce superbe Hermès Kelly 28 en cuir Epsom blanc bicolore, sublimé par un élégant intérieur bleu, des tranches bleues, un cadenas gainé de cuir blanc et des finitions Palladi...
Hermes Quelle Idole Doll Bag Charm Sable Mushroom Havane and Black
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a very rare limited edition Hermes Kelly Idole bag charm featured in Sable, Havane, Black and Mushroom. This playful Kelly Doll charm...
Hermes Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Bag Cuivre with Rose Mexico Toile Strap
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 20 mini bag featured in Cuivre (Copper). A stunning colour inspired by the metal, Cuivre is a saturated coppery brown. Crisp with Palladium hardware...
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 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...
$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 Sellier 28 Black Box Leather Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Sellier 28 bag featured in rare Black Box leather. Considered to be of the most collectible hertiage leather...
Hermès Mini Kelly Graphite Sellier Alligator Mississippiens K Stamp GHW
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Mini Kelly Graphite Sellier Alligator Mississippiens K Stamp GHW The Hermès Mini Kelly Sellier in Graphite Alligator Mississippiensis captures an aura of refined strength and...
Hermes Kelly Retourne 28 Rose Extreme Matte Alligator Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly 28 bag featured in rich jewel toned Rose Extreme matte alligator. This iconic vibrant pink Hermes bag is timeless and...
Hermès Kelly 35 So Black Box Calfskin with Black PVD Hardware Limited Edition
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
The Hermès Kelly 35 So Black is a study in quiet power and refined presence. Rendered in luminous black Box calf leather, its sleek surface reflects light with a subtle gloss that en...
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 ...
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 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 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 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 Depeche HSS 38 Briefcase Blue Electric Gold Hardware Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes coveted Kelly Depeches HSS 38 briefcase. Very rare in striking, vivid Bleu Electrique. Epsom leather with rich gold hardware. Two large accordion compar...
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 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...
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 32 Limited Edition Lakis Bag Tosca Swift Leather Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes 32 Kelly Lakis limited edition bag featured in rich, saturated Tosca. Two front zipper pockets and one large rear zipper pocket for easy access - think ph...
Hermes Rouge Extreme Togo Leather 28cm Retourne Kelly Bag GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Rouge Extreme Togo Leather 28cm Kelly Bag GHW Made in: France Year of Production: 2019 Color: Rouge extreme Materials: Togo leather Lining: Chevre leather Hardware: Goldtone ...
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 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 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 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 Kelly 25 Gold Togo Leather Gold Hardware K Stamp
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Kelly 25 Gold Togo Leather Gold Hardware K Stamp Elevate your style with the timeless allure of the Hermès Kelly 25 in Gold Togo Leather. It...
Hermes Kelly 28cm Cobalt Togo Leather Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Brand: Hermes Product: Kelly Retourne Size: - CM: L 28 cm x H 20.5 cm x D 11 cm - INCH: L 11" x H 8.5" x D 4.5" Colour: Cobalt Material: Togo Leather Hardware: Palladium Year: ...
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...
Hermès 2011 SO Black Box Calf Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather SO Black Kelly 35cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1453 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 35cm Type: Top Handle Serial Number: [O] Age: 2011 Accompanie...
$8,479Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Kelly 35 Retourne Brown Box Calfskin Leather Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Condition: Fair condition. Cut on side of handle base (small) Discoloration on handle (large) Cracks (medium) Wear on edge of handle (large) Scratches and scratches on outside (larg...
HERMÉS KELLY BAG 2 WAY 35 cm CHEVRE LEATHER, black, collection B - 1998
By Hermès, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
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 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...
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...
$24,950
Hermes Gold Kelly 28 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Gold Kelly 28 Bag. Gold tan color with gold hardware. Sellier Kelly has structure. White contrast stitching. Interior clean. Plastic on hardware. Looks like new, excellent con...
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
Hermes Kelly 35 Togo Leather Etain Retourne Palladium Hardware Bag
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Kelly, in the Retourne style, is in Etain Togo leather with Palladium hardware, Today, the Kelly bag from Hermes, designed in a gorgeous trapezoid shape and made with the most l...
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...
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 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...
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...
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, ...
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...
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 ...
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...
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]...
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Who would have guessed the handbags belonged to one of the show's producers?
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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.