Iconic in shape, style, and story, the Hermès Padded Kelly 25 handbag brings a touch of elegance and a heap of class to any look, outfit, and wearer – making it popular both as an investment purchase and a fashion must-have for those with the budget to spare.
With Hermès as a brand synonymous with luxury, combining the finest materials with the top-level craftsmanship of the best in the business, Hermès is one of the most popular brands in the investment accessory market. And the Hermès Kelly collection encompasses some of the most coveted designer handbags on the market.
History of the Kelly handbag
The padded Kelly 25 bag is among the rarest in the entire Hermès repertoire, which instantly gives this designer handbag the status it deserves. First designed and created under the name ‘Sac A Depeche’, the bag has been renamed the Kelly after Grace Kelly used her own model of the Sac A Depeche bag to hide a baby bump that was starting to show.
When customers walked into the store and asked for the now infamous Kelly bag, Hermès realised the name could and should be changed to reflect this – however, the bag was not officially renamed until 21 years later in 1977.
What leather is used to bring the Hermès Kelly handbag to life?
Hermès is a brand renowned for only using the best materials in its bags. As such, you won’t be surprised to hear that the leather used in the Hermès Kelly is exclusive – with the creators only using Swift and Borenia leathers in constructing the bag. As smooth leathers, they allow for the separated panelling across the exterior of the bag to remain defined and also enables the bag to hold its shape when hanging from an arm or standing on a surface – elevating it above the softer leathers which would collapse.
Stitching and Material
The first thing you notice when you look at the Hermès Kelly 25 handbag is the clear stitching down the middle at the front of the bag. This is called ‘saddle stitching’ and helps to define the two panels that come together to create the bag – with each panel given a little extra lift and volume from the surrounded border stitching and inner padding.
Not only does this optimise the aesthetic of the bag but it also helps the bag to retain and holds its shape – and may be inspired by the interior of a vintage sports car with its padded leather and defined seats.
What colours does the bag come in?
At the time of writing, this bag is one of the most exclusive bags that Hermès has ever made – with our team only having seen it available in black, a deep grey, and a rich royal blue sapphire shade. Customers and accessories fans will note that the stitching is always finished in a shade which compliments and blends seamlessly against the main body of the bag.
What accessories come with the bag?
When you invest in a padded Kelly 25 bag, you don’t just get the bag itself – contained and protected in a dust bag and Hermès branded box with accompanying ribbon.
As part of the purchase, you receive a number of accessories which are designed to optimise the way you use your bag, and which demonstrate the designer’s intention, which was always to design and create aesthetically pleasing, balanced and elegant bags which are also functional, versatile, and practical to use.
As such, you receive the following accessories with the Hermès Kelly 25:
- A strap, which is delivered in a Hermès pouch and allows the bag to be transformed into a shoulder bag for use out and about. The strap can easily be clipped onto the bag on either side.
- Lock, key and Clochette, which add to the functionality and aesthetic style of the bag as a luxury and designer product. These features largely come from traditional bags and are continued as part of the exclusive design of these high-end bags.
- A rain jacket that can be folded up and carried inside the bag at all times – ready for any downpours.
How can you protect a Hermès original bag from the rain?
Following from the previous section, protecting a Hermès original bag from the rain is made easier with the added rain jacket that you can store inside the bag for rainy days and sudden showers. This rain jacket comes in a size 3 for the Kelly 25 and is the right size to protect the exterior of your bag from any water damage.
Celebrities seen with Hermès bags
The padded Kelly 25 was only released in 2021, but it is gaining traction on the market, and it is expected that more will be released and available both new and on the preloved market as the bag continues to become popular.
As a brand, Hermès has long been popular with celebrities including the likes of Victoria Beckham, Eva Longoria, Kim Kardashian, Heidi Klum, and more. Watch this space for the Hermès padded Kelly 25 as it hits the celebrity market and begins to be papped out and about.
How much does the padded Kelly 25 cost?
From the simple but elegant design and structure of the Hermès Kelly 25 to the incredible quality and craftsmanship which lies behind every inch of the product, this handbag isn’t only an expensive purchase – it’s an investment opportunity.
When purchased from a Hermès retail store, the padded Kelly 25 bag costs £9,700.35 – making it one of the most expensive Hermès bags relative to the size and structure of other bags. Having said that, the Hermès padded Kelly 25 is a high-value investment that, when sold, can offer substantial returns provided you have the documentation to prove its authenticity and value.
To receive a formal valuation on your bag or for advice on selling your Kelly 25 handbag, visit our team today.
