Hermes Kelly Relax Blue
View Similar Items
Hermes Kelly Relax Blue
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Leather/Gold Plated
- Condition:Brand new with all original packaging and receipt.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: TW01KE1stDibs: AU12073033612
Hermès
For Hermès, what began as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen would eventually grow into one of the most storied fashion labels in the world. In 1837, German-born French entrepreneur Thierry Hermès opened a saddle and harness purveyor in Paris. Gradually, the house extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and modernist jewelry to pillows and handbags.
The first top-handled bag ever produced by Hermès was the Haut à courroies, which made its debut in 1892. A tall bag secured with a folded leather flap (fastened with bridle-inspired straps), it was designed to transport riding boots and a harness. As the world made the switch from horse to automobile, the bag adapted, becoming a multifunctional travel satchel instead of a designated saddlebag. Today, 120 years later, the HAC remains in Hermès’s line — and its distinctive flap and clasping straps have laid the groundwork for some of the house’s other iconic bags.
In the 1930s, Robert Dumas (son-in-law to Émile-Maurice Hermès, Thierry’s grandson) designed a smaller, trapezoidal take on the flap bag with a handle and two side straps. Later, actress Grace Kelly, then engaged to Prince Rainier of Monaco, is said to have used one of these bags to conceal her pregnancy during the 1950s. Because she was photographed constantly, the coverage catapulted her handbag to international popularity. In 1977, Hermès officially renamed the model for her, and the Kelly bag was born. Each Kelly bag takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches owe solely to one Hermès artisan.
Robert Dumas was also responsible for another one of the brand’s most iconic offerings: the launch of its first silk scarf on the occasion of Hermès’s 100th anniversary in 1937. Based on a woodblock designed by Dumas and printed on Chinese silk, the accessory was an immediate hit.
Today, vintage Hermès scarves, typically adorned in rich colors and elaborate patterns, serve many functions, just as they did back then. Well-heeled women wear it on their heads, around their necks and, in a genius piece of cross-promotion, tied to the straps of their Hermès bags. Kelly even once used one as a sling for her broken arm.
In 1981, Robert Dumas’s son Jean-Louis Dumas, then Hermès chairman, found himself sitting next to French actress and musician Jane Birkin on a plane, where she was complaining about finding a suitable carryall for the necessary accoutrements of motherhood. After the two travelers were properly introduced, Birkin helped design Jean-Louis’s most famous contribution to the Hermès canon: the Birkin bag, a roomy, square catchall with the HAC’s trademark leather flap top and the addition of a lock and key. Owing to the brand’s legendary commitment to deft, handcrafted construction, the Birkin is an investment that is coveted by collectors everywhere.
While the Kelly and Birkin may be standouts, gracing the arms of everyone from royal heiresses to hip-hop stars in the past few decades, the handbags are but a small part of Hermès’s fashion offerings. Since the 1920s, the brand has produced some of the most desirable leather goods in the world. There’s the Constance bag, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy, the recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne and, on the vintage market, a slew of designs dating back to the 1920s.
Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
- Celine Cabas Denim Paris Tote BagBy CelineLocated in London, GBIntroducing the Cabas Horizontal Tote, the perfect blend of style and functionality. Crafted with a blue denim exterior, this tote features an eye-catching ivory and blue knit logo p...Category
2010s Tote Bags
- Chanel Terry Cloth ToteBy ChanelLocated in London, GBRare Terry cotton beach bag from Chanel. Crafted from black and grey cotton, featuring the iconic diamond quilted pattern and a large interlocking CC logo across the front of the bag...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Tote Bags
- Hermès Pearl Grey Clemence Leather Massai PM ToteBy HermèsLocated in London, GBThis Hermès Massai PM offers your luxury looks an air of effortless sophistication with its understated slouchy frame and neutral hue. Composed of a P...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
- Chanel Geometric Print Large Beach ToteBy ChanelLocated in London, GBStay beach ready with this large terry beach tote from Chanel. Boasting a fun geometric print and Chanel logo, this piece is the perfect addition to your vacation wardrobe. Made from...Category
2010s Tote Bags
- Prada Vitello Daino Leather Tote BagBy PradaLocated in London, GBThis Italian-made Prada tote bag is crafted from luxurious Daino leather with a unique grained texture. It features two rolled top handles, a detachable shoulder strap, a magnetic fa...Category
2010s Tote Bags
- Bottega Veneta Gold Small Cabat Tote BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in London, GB* rose gold * leather * signature Intrecciato design * two adjustable top handles * open top * internal zip-fastening pocket * internal logo patch * leather lining * gunmetal-tone ha...Category
2010s Tote Bags
- 2011 Chanel NEW Limited Edition watercolor graffiti tote beach bagLocated in Miami, FL2011 Beautiful watercolor tote; Very sought after bag, hard to find this bag in NEW condition. Brand new never used with box, dust bag, authenticity card Very spacious, can be worn ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
- Chanel XL cotton towel terry black and white top handle beach tote bagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLXL towel tote comes with XL reversible CC towel, NEVER USED Leather straps Metal Clasp closure Large CC engraved on both sides of towel Flat Bottom 20" L x ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
- Chanel large CC coated canvas beach toteBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLNever worn As seen on Sex and the City the movie Has a large detachable interior pouch insert XL shopping tote with rope detail perfect for travel or vacation Very spacious tote th...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Tote Bags
- Chanel White Monogram ToteLocated in New York, NYLength: 14 Inches Height: 10.75 Inches Material: LeatherCategory
1990s Tote Bags
$1,450 - Prada Raffia ToteLocated in New York, NYLength: 17.5” inches Height: 12.5” inches Material: raffiaCategory
1990s Tote Bags
- Balenciaga Grey City BagLocated in New York, NYLength: 13.5 Inches Height: 13 Inches Material: LeatherCategory
1990s Tote Bags
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The Hermès Passe-Guide Bag Might Not Be as Well Known as the Birkin or Kelly, But It’s Every Bit as Chic
Find out why this under-the-radar piece is so exceptional.
How to Spot a Fake Hermès Birkin Bag
The iconic Birkin bag is much coveted — and often copied. Find out how to tell the real deal from a convincing fake. Of course, you don't have to worry about this on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.