Welcome to the history of the iconic Hermès Kelly bag!
Hermès has been creating beautiful leather pieces, renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, since 1837. First established by Thierry Hermès as a harness workshop in the Grands Boulevards quarter of Paris, the atelier quickly became dedicated to serving European noblemen – even Napoleon Bonaparte was a client – and in 1922, the first Hermès handbag was created.
In 1935 Émile-Maurice Hermès diversified the brands offerings designing a bag for his wife to carry. Called the Sac à Dépêches the bag was practical and elegant with a classic style. The accessory achieved worldwide recognition in 1956 when the American actress and princess of Monaco Grace Kelly used her Sac à Dépêches to cover her pregnant belly. As soon as the photo of that is published on the cover of Life Magazine women from all over the world start running to Hermès asking for the Kelly Bag. In response the brand changed the bags name to the Kelly, and history was made.
Today an icon of elegance and sophistication, the Kelly is one of the most sought-after bags on the resale market, not only for its timeless style but also for the enduring allure of the woman it is named after. The top handle silhouette is one of the most classic bags ever designed, it is also an amazing investment selling for multiple times its original value.
When buying a Kelly bag from an Hermès store the price varies depending on size, leather and specifications, but it is usually somewhere between $9,000 and $12,000. The history of the Hermès Kelly bag is one of the most iconic in the fashion world!
