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 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 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 hardware. It is a size 28. It measures 10....
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...
Kelly 25 Rouge Tomate Red Swift Leather PHW 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 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 1990s Sac Kelly 25 Sellier Brown Crocodile Leather Hand Bag strap Hermes
By Hermès
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès Kelly Sellier bag, size 25, in dark brown Niloticus Crocodile exotic leather and gold-tone hardware. The interior is lined in matching leather and features one zipped pocket a...
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, two keys, the original strap, and t...
Hermes Bleau Atoll Kelly 25 with Palladium Hardware 2015
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Meticulously crafted by hand, this Hermès Kelly 25 in Bleu Atoll showcases the house’s signature precision, from its structured silhouette and saddle stitching to the smooth Swift le...
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...
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 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 Kelly 28 Box Calf Handbag Black GHW Circl U
By Hermès
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Condition: Good,Minor signs of use, clean interior, light scratches on hardware. Accessories: Dust Bag,Shoulder Strap size: Width:28cm,height:22cm Designer:HERMES Model: Kelly 28...
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 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 ...
$14,216Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès 1992 Vintage Kelly 35 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 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...
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...
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...
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 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 ...
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 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 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: MML037 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 20cm II Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Nu...
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...
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 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...
$18,950
Hermes Gold Kelly 32 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Gold Kelly 32 Bag. Good condition. Gold tan color with gold hardware. Epsom sellier leather. Beautiful bag. Interior clean. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag. Guara...
$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 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 ...
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...
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 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...
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 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 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 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 Kelly 28cm Craie "Chalk" Off White Epsom Sellier Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Kelly 28cm Craie "Chalk" Off White Epsom Sellier Bag Craie with Palladium Hardware is spectacular in person! Brand New in Box. Store Fresh. Pristine Condition (with plastic on hardware). Perfect gift! Comes full set with keys, lock, clochette, shoulder strap, sleeper and Hermes box. Craie is the most coveted neutral from Hermes due to its elegance and rare production. Craie ("Chalk") accented with fresh Palladium hardware appears more white than with gold hardware, and is so sleek and sexy! Ideal for the modern fashionista that favors platinum jewelry, Craie with Palladium is a true off-white neutral that complements every color, all four seasons. In the 28cm Sellier construction, this Craie Kelly...
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 Herbag Zip 31 Blue Indigo Toile Black Vache Hunter Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Herbag Zip 31 featured in Bleu Indigo Toile and Black Vache Hunter cowhide leather. Rare with Gold signature Clou de Selle closure. Chic colour combinatio...
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 Gold Kelly 25cm Tan Sellier Shoulder Bag NEW IN BOX
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Gold Kelly 25cm Tan Sellier Shoulder Bag The most wanted bag and the only one you need this spring summer! Brand New in Box. Store Fresh. Pr...
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 Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Blue Indigo Matte Alligator Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a men's Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch featured in Bleu Indigo matte Alligator. Fabulous Hermes wristlet clutch that i...
Hermes Kelly Cut Braise Crocodile Clutch Bag Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Kelly Cut bag featured in vivid Braise Niloticus Crocodile. This exquisite lipstick red Hermes clutch i...
Hermes Kelly 25 Gold Bi-Color Jaune Ambre Verso Shoulder Bag Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Kelly 25 Gold Bi-Color Jaune Ambre Verso Shoulder Bag Bag A rare and coveted Kelly 25cm combining two of Hermes' best colors, Gold and Jau...
Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Bag Nata Palladium Hardware Epsom Leather
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Sellier 25 bag featured in neutral Nata. This beautiful colour is fast becoming a unicorn and a collectors treasure. A chic and stylish authentic Hermes Kelly...
Hermes Gold Kelly 20 Mini Kelly 20cm Epsom Bag New in Box
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Mini Gold Kelly 20cm Epsom Bag Brand New in Box. Store Fresh. Pristine Condition (with plastic on hardware) Perfect gift! Comes full set with sh...
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 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...
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 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 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...
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 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 Cut Clutch Bag Blue Colvert Crocodile Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Kelly Cut featured in smoky Bleu Colvert Niloticus Crocodile. Richly complimented with Gold hardware. The perfect pop of soft colour for any outfit. Stamped HERMES MADE IN PARIS...
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 Quadrille Viking Toile Black / White Sellier 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...
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.