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 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 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 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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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
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...
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 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: ...
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 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 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...
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 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...
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 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...
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 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...
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...
Hermès Kelly 32 Pink Magnolia Leather Top Handle Bag, Circa 2006
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...
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 1982 Kelly Bag 32 cm Gold Courchevel Leather with Strap
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Hermés 2 way Kelly bag, Retourne, 32 cm, Curchevel leather in gold, Collection L in circle = 1982 with long autentic Strap, Lock and Key and Hermes dustbag included. MADE IN FRANCE ...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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,...
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 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...
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 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 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 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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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 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...
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. ...
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...
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...
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A symbol of luxury and elegance, the design has a storied past and a legion of devoted collectors.