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Kelly Bag
Iconic Designs

Kelly BagBy Hermès

About the Design

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 Bag

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Hermès Rare White Dalmatian Retourne Kelly 35 PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès Rare White Dalmatian Retourne Kelly 35 PHW SKU: 111224 Handbag Condition: Very Good Condition Comments: Very Good Condition. Scratching to hardware. Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly Origin Country: France Handbag Silhouette: Shoulder Bag; Top Handle Size (Specific): 35 Year Manufactured: 2001 Features Interior: One zip pocket. Two slip pockets Interior Material: Leather Interior Color (Generic): Blue...
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Early 2000s Top Handle Bags

Hermès Raspberry Pink Togo 25 cm Kelly
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This authentic Hermès Raspberry Pink Togo 25 cm Kelly is in pristine unworn condition. The protective plastic remains intact on the hardware. Hermès bags ...
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2010s French Top Handle Bags

Hermès Pink Epsom 25 cm Sellier Kelly
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This authentic Hermès Pink Epsom 25 cm Kelly Sellier is in pristine condition with the protective plastic intact on the hardware. Hermès bags are consid...
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2010s French Top Handle Bags

Hermes Etoupe Kelly 25 Swift Padded Palladium Hardware
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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...
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21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags

Hermes Rouge Extreme Togo Leather 28cm Retourne Kelly Bag GHW
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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 ...
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21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Hermes Bleu Electrique Mini Kelly 20 Epsom Gold Hardware
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Jewels Aficionado offers an Hermès Bleu Electrique Mini Kelly 20 Sellier in Epsom leather that is a bold and striking statement piece. Its vibrant blue hue enhances the structured si...
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21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags

Hermès Kelly Bag 32 Clemence Leather Blue Izmir Top Handle Bag
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Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Bag by Hermès, Kelly model, size 32, made in Clemence leather, soft and textured to the touch, in the Blue Izmir colorway, with silver hardware. Equipped with the classic flap with i...
Category

Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags

HERMÈS Rouge Casaque Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
HERMÈS Rouge Casaque Epsom Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Xupes Reference: CB868 Serial Number: [N] Age (Circa): 2010 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag, Box, Pad...
Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

Hermès Kelly 35 Epsom Bleu Paradise 2011
By Hermès
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Borsa firmata Hermès, modello Kelly, misura 35, realizzata in pelle Epsom, rigida al tatto, nella colorazione Bleu Paradise. Dotata di una patta con chiusura ad incastro con fascia o...
Category

2010s Top Handle Bags

Hermes Red Kelly 35 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Red Kelly 35 Bag. Epsom sellier Kelly bag. Rare size in sellier. Palladium silver hardware. Interior clean. Plastic is still on hardware. Looks like new condition. Includes cl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Shoulder Bags

Hermes Kelly II Retourne 28 Veau Swift Anemone
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Kelly II Retourne 28 Veau Swift Anemone, Palladium Hardware Condition: Brand New Material: Swift Leather Measurements: (W)28cm × (H)22cm × (D)11.5cm Hardware: Palladium plat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags

Hermès Etain 25 cm Madame Sellier Kelly with Gold Hardware
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Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Hermès Etain Madame 25 cm Sellier Kelly is pristine with the protective plastic intact on the hardware. Designed with the stitching on the outside of the bag, the Sel...
Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

Hermès Intense Blue Evercolor 28 cm Kelly with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Hermès Intense Blue Evercolor 28 cm Kelly is in pristine condition with the protective plastic intact on the hardware. Hermès bags are considered the ultimate luxu...
Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

Hermes Nata Epsom Leather Kelly Pocket Compact Wallet GHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Nata Epsom Leather Kelly Pocket Compact Wallet  Made In: France Color: Nata Hardware: Goldtone Materials: Epsom leather Lining: Leather Closu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Wallets

Hermés Kelly Sellier 25cm Vert Verone Veau Epsom GHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous Hermès 25cm Kelly bag. The exterior of this Kelly features a Sellier style in Vert Verone Veau Epsom leather. The Vert Verone Epsom leather is complemented with gold-tone hardware and tonal stitchings. It features a front toggle closure with two straps, a single rolled handle and a removable shoulder strap. The interior is lined with Vert Verone leather and has one zip pocket with an Hermès engraved...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

HERMES KELLY BAG; 32 cm, 2 way, retourne, Courchevel leather, 1982 = L
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 ...
Category

1980s French Crossbody Bags and Messenger Bags

Hermès Rouge Vif Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge Vif Lizard Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm Brand- Hermès Model- Kelly 20cm Product Type- Shoulder, Top Han...
Category

1990s French Structured Shoulder Bags

Hermès BLACK LIZARD LEATHER VINTAGE KELLY 20CM SELLIER
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès BLACK LIZARD LEATHER VINTAGE KELLY 20CM SELLIER CONDITION NOTES The exterior is in excellent condition with light signs of use. The interior...
Category

1990s French Top Handle Bags

Hermes Kelly II Sellier 25 Epsom Vert Vertigo/Vert Fizz/Blue Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
The Hermès Kelly II Sellier Bag is a captivating accessory meticulously crafted for your needs. This 25cm bag is fashioned from exquisite Calfskin leather and accented with Palladium...
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21st Century and Contemporary American Shoulder Bags

Hermès Rose Epsom 25 cm Kelly Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Hermès Rose Jaipur Epsom 25 cm Kelly Sellier is in pristine condition with the protective plastic intact on the hardware. Hermès bags are c...
Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

Hermès Kelly Mini II Cuivre Chèvre Mysore PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
A beautiful Hermès Kelly Mini II handbag. The exterior of this Kelly Mini features Cuivre Chèvre Mysore leather and is complemented by palladium hardware and tonal stitchings. It has...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Hermes Bordeaux Kelly 28 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Bordeaux Kelly 28 Bag. Excellent condition. Like new condition. Togo leather. Rare color and most wanted size in Kelly. Palladium silver hardware. Interior clean. Includes clo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Shoulder Bags

Hermes Brique Kelly 32 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Brique Kelly 32 Bag. Excellent condition for vintage. Brick color bag with gold hardware. Interior clean. Box smooth leather. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag. Gre...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Shoulder Bags

Hermes Black Kelly 32 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Black Kelly 32 Bag. Gold hardware. Excellent condition for vintage. Box leather is smooth and beautiful. Kelly bags are back and are a great investment. Includes clochette, lo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Top Handle Bags

Hermes Gold Kelly 35 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Gold Kelly 35 Bag. Togo leather. Excellent condition. Looks unworn. Interior clean. Most wanted combination gold on gold. Neutral tan gold color. Includes clochette, lock, key...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Shoulder Bags

Hermes Rose Tyrien/ Tosca Epsom Leather 32cm Candy Kelly Bag PHW
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Rose Tyrien/ Tosca Epsom Leather 32cm Candy Kelly Bag Made in: France Year of Production: 2013 Color: Rose tyrein Materials: Epsom leather Lining: Tosca chevre leather Hardwa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Hermès 25cm Kelly Sellier Bleu Indigo Shiny Lizard Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Brand: Hermès Style: Kelly Sellier Size: 25cm Color: Bleu Indigo Material: Shiny Lizard Hardware: Gold Hardware(GHW) Dimensions: 9.8" W x 7.5" H x 3.5" D Handle Drop: 4.5" Strap Drop...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Hermès Ebene Fjord Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Ebene Fjord Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne Brand- Hermès Model- Kelly 35cm Product Type- Shoulder, Top Handle Serial Number- [G* Age- Circa 2003 Acco...
Category

Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags

Hermes Kelly 25 rose pourpre palladium hardware as new
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
As New RARE Most Coveted Hermes Kelly 25 Rose Pourpre Togo Leather , Complimented by Palladium Hardware. AS NEW D STAMP 2019. Please keep in mind this is not a store fresh item. ...
Category

2010s Top Handle Bags

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, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Shoulder Bags

Borsa A Mano Hermès Kelly 32 Clemence Blue Atolle 2014
By Hermès
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Borsa firmata Hermès, modello Kelly, misura 32, realizzata in pelle Clemence, morbida al tatto con grana grossa, nella colorazione Blue Atoll. Dotata di una patta con chiusura ad inc...
Category

2010s Top Handle Bags

Gold Epsom HERMES Kelly 32
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
BEAUTIFUL vintage Kelly 32 bag from the House of HERMES in gold epsom leather with its gold jewelry. It has its padlock, its bell and key (x1). The interior is in leather. This bag h...
Category

1970s French Shoulder Bags

Hermès Red Crocodile Kelly Cut Clutch
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Hermès Vivid Red Crocodile Kelly Cut Clutch is in pristine condition. Hand crafted by skilled artisans; the Kelly Cut is extremely rare...
Category

2010s French Clutches

HERMÉS KELLY Sellier 2 way bag 35 cm gold Courchevel leather, stamp B /1998
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
A gorgeous Hermès Kelly Sellier 35 cm bag in gold Courchevel leather (Made in France). The gold Courchevel leather is complemented with gold ...
Category

1990s French Shoulder Bags

Hermès Blue Electric Kelly Doll Bag Charm
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Hermès Blue Electric Kelly Doll Bag Charm is brand new. Adorable iconic Kelly Bag in bright Electric Blue with Palladium hardware and co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Wallets and Small Accessories

Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Box Calf Leather Vintage Kelly 20cm BRAND Hermès MODEL Kelly 20cm AGE 1993 GENDER Women's MATERIAL(S) Box Calf Leather COLOUR Black HARDWARE G...
Category

1990s French Top Handle Bags

Hermes Rose Azalea Kelly Sellier 28 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Rose Azalea Kelly 28 Bag. Sellier epsom leather with gold hardware. Interior clean. Good condition. Only one light spot on handle. Please see...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Shoulder Bags

Hermés Kelly Sellier 25cm Rose Pourpre Epsom PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Hermès Kelly II Retourne 35cm Graphite Veau Taurillon Clemence PHW
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Hermès Etoupe Etain Swift Ghillies 35 cm Limited Edition Kelly Bag
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Hermès Limited Edition Ghillies 35 cm Kelly is in pristine condition with the protective plastic still intact on the hardware. Hermès bags are considered the ultimat...
Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

Hermès 28 cm Midnight Blue Epsom Kelly Sellier with Violet Interior
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Hermès Midnight Blue Epsom 28 cm Kelly Sellier is in pristine unworn condition with the protective plastic intact on the hardware. Hermès bags are considered the ulti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

HERMÈS White Clemence Leather Kelly 32cm Retourne
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
HERMÈS White Clemence Leather Kelly 32cm Retourne Serial Number: [H] Age (Circa): 2004 Accompanied By: Hermès Dust Bag, Shoulder Strap, Padlock, Keys, Raincover, Hermès Spa Receipt ...
Category

Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags

Hermès Mustard Yellow 25 cm Kelly with Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Hermès Mustard Yellow 25 cm Kelly is in pristine condition. Hermès bags are considered the ultimate luxury item worldwide. Each piece is h...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags

Hermès Bleu Indigo, Black, Cuivre Togo & Box Calf Au Galop Leather Kelly 28cm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Bleu Indigo, Black, Cuivre Togo & Box Calf Au Galop Leather Kelly 28cm Retourne Brand- Hermès Model- Kelly 28cm Product Type- Shoulder, Top Handle Serial Number- * Age- Circa...
Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

Hermès Rouge H Toile & Barenia Horse Print Amazone Kelly 32cm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge H Toile & Barenia Horse Print Amazone Kelly 32cm Brand- Hermès Model- Kelly 32cm Product Type- Shoulder, Top Handle Serial Number- *...
Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

Hermès 28 cm Jaune de Naples Yellow Epsom Kelly Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Hermès 28 cm Jaune de Naples Yellow Epsom Kelly Sellier is in pristine condition with the protective plastic intact on the hardware. H...
Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

Hermès 25 cm Rose Jaipur Epsom Kelly Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Hermès 25 cm Rose Jaipur Epsom Kelly Sellier is in pristine condition with the protective plastic intact on the hardware. Hermès bags are...
Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

Kelly II retourné soleil
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Kelly II retourné 35 HERMES Togo soleil Condition: very good Country of manufacture : France Collection : Kelly II retourné Genre : unisex Material : togo leather Interior : leather ...
Category

2010s French Top Handle Bags

Hermès Kelly 35 Togo Gris Tourterelle
By Hermès
Located in Torre Del Greco, IT
Borsa firmata Hermès, modello Kelly, misura 35, realizzata in pelle Togo, morbida al tatto con grana grossa, nella colorazione Gris Tourterelle. Dotata di una patta con chiusura ad i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Top Handle Bags

Black Hermès Kelly 35
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
BEAUTIFUL black retourné Kelly 35 bag from the House of HERMES from the collection Kelly II in black togo leather with its silver jewelry. It has its padlock,...
Category

2010s French Shoulder Bags

Hermes Red Kelly 35 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Rouge Casaque Kelly 35 Bag. Stunning red with blue interior. Candy collection. Gold hardware. Interior clean. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag. Guaranteed authentic.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Shoulder Bags

Hermes Red Kelly 28 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Red Kelly 28 Bag. Excellent condition. Box leather. Gold hardware. Great structure and sellier bag. Interior clean. Includes strap, clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag. Guaran...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Shoulder Bags

Hermes Vintage Kelly 50 Taurillon Clemence Blue Gold Hardware Travel Duffle Bag
By Hermès
Located in North Miami, FL
This bag is truly amazing
Category

1990s French Duffel Bags and Carry-On Bags

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