You’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t answer ‘Hermès’ to a question about luxurious, high-value, and often unattainable brands.
With talk of waitlists and extensive holding periods for captive buyers, not to mention the incredibly high price tags of both new and second-hand bags for sale, Hermès is the kind of brand that every bag lover is aware of but very few are able to own for themselves.
Of course, this is all part of what makes Hermès such a prolific luxury brand.
When bags are as expensive and as seemingly unattainable as the Hermès collection, both demand and value are positively impacted. The fact that available bags are few and far between means that whenever a bag does appear for sale, the high demand causes the price to rise.
This is true of many luxury brands; however, Hermès is arguably one of the most prolific when it comes to waitlists, high prices, and the kind of demand that sees buyers shopping from outlets around the world to find their perfect Hermès.
Which brings us to the crux of this article – and one of Hermès’ most iconic collections.
Introducing the Hermès Kelly Bag
The Hermès Kelly is one of two bags from the Hermès range that often captures the most attention. Renowned for its trapezoidal shape, the strap across the front of the bag that’s secured by a lock and key, and the small handle that allows the bag to be carried in the crook of the wearer’s arm or in their hand, the Kelly bag is an exquisite example of refined craftsmanship.
Alongside the Hermès Birkin, the Kelly bag is one of the most in-demand handbags on the luxury market.
It was first released in 1935 – however, the origin story of the Kelly is a little more complex than a straightforward release date. More on that later in this article. It was only really in 1956 that the Kelly became a coveted piece among buyers, as a result of some publicity that elevated its status…
Without further ado, let’s dive into the five fun facts and things you might not already know about the Hermès Kelly!
Five Fun Facts About the Hermès Kelly
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It Was Launched Under a Different Name
Earlier in this article, we alluded to the origin of the Kelly in 1935 – however, eagle-eyed readers will have noticed two dates in the previous section.
One of these relates to the original release date of the Kelly bag under its original name, while the latter date corresponds to the re-release under the new and improved name.
In 1935, Hermès released its ‘Sac à Dépêches’ bag. This bag boasted references to the equestrian roots of the Hermès brand, but with a sleek and more portable structure and design. In fact, what this bag did was bridge the gap between the brand’s earlier and much smaller bags and the increasing need for larger and more practical accessories – however, it wasn’t until 1956 that the bag really found its spotlight.
In 1955, Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief was released, depicting actress Grace Kelly with her own Sac à Dépêches bag. Following that, Grace Kelly kept the bag and was photographed with it in 1956 – using the bag to hide a pregnancy bump.
Since that day, the bag became a symbol of wealth, elegance, and optimum style. So much so that Hermès renamed the bag ‘the Kelly’.
1) Each Bag Takes 18 Hours to Make
Hermès has reported that each Kelly bag is exquisitely made by a single craftsman and takes upwards of 18 hours to produce.
This is because, far from the production lines of modern factories and mass-produced accessories, Hermès ensures that every element of every bag is hand stitched and hand finished by its artisan producers.
This, combined with the finest materials on the market and the most expensive hardware components, means that each bag is a labour of love. It’s this approach to production that not only limits the stock levels of Hermès bags but also elevates the price tag even further.
2) There Are Two Main Kelly Bags to Choose From
Yes, there are countless models and iterations of the Kelly bag within its collection, with Hermès consistently releasing new pieces according to new trends and changing consumer preferences.
However, the Kelly bag itself is split into two main styles: the Sellier and the Retourne.
These styles derive from the leathers that are used in production – with the Sellier boasting a rigid and structured shape and finish, while the Retourne is much softer and more relaxed.
For buyers, these two styles represent very different bags, which look different on the arm and when placed on a surface. Choosing between the Sellier and Retourne models ensures that you enjoy the shape and finish that best suits your lifestyle.
3) Grace Kelly’s Original Kelly Lives in Monaco
The bag that inspired a cultural phenomenon now lives in the archives of the palace in Monaco that was once home to Grace Kelly herself.
While the bag is often pulled out of the archives for display, appearing in special exhibits around the world, it’s nice to know that the original bag that was so loved by Grace Kelly is still being well cared for in the place she called home.
4) It Remains in Exceptional Demand
Okay, so this might be a fact that you already knew, or at least assumed would be true. However, did you know that the Kelly bag is in fact more in demand than the Birkin?
The fact that the Kelly presents a functional structure and style, with a timeless design and versatile approach to colour and material finish, makes it a bag that’s coveted by first-time buyers, established collectors, and everyone in between.
Find your perfect Kelly bag and become a part of the community that celebrates the history and luxury of the Hermès collection, by visiting your local boutique reseller. Stock is always changing, so make sure to check online and visit the store regularly, to stay ahead of new releases and arrivals.