Is the Hermes Kelly Bag Named After Grace Kelly?

When it comes to luxury handbags, few names carry the same weight as Hermes. The French fashion house is renowned for their impeccable craftsmanship and iconic designs, with one of their most famous creations being the Kelly bag.

But where did this iconic accessory get its name? Many people believe that the Hermes Kelly bag was named after the actress and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly. But is this actually true?

History of the Hermes Kelly Bag

Before we delve into the origin of the bag’s name, let’s take a quick look at its history. The Hermes Kelly was first introduced in the 1930s as a saddle holder for equestrians. It wasn’t until 1956 that it was redesigned as a chic handbag and became an instant hit among fashion insiders.

The Grace Kelly Connection

The story goes that in 1954, Grace Kelly was on the set of Alfred Hitchcock’s “To Catch a Thief” when she met Prince Rainier III of Monaco. The two began dating and eventually got engaged, with their wedding scheduled for April 1956.

Legend has it that during her pregnancy, Grace used her trusty Hermes bag to shield her growing belly from paparazzi cameras. This caught the attention of fashion magazines and soon everyone wanted to get their hands on a “Kelly” bag.

Is It True?

So, is it true that the Hermes Kelly bag was named after Grace Kelly? Well, yes and no. While there is no doubt that Grace played a significant role in popularizing the bag, it wasn’t officially named after her until much later.

In fact, the original name of the design was simply “Sac à dépêches,” which translates to “dispatch bag.” It wasn’t until 1977 that Hermes officially changed its name to “Kelly” in honor of Grace’s contribution to its success.

The Legacy of the Hermes Kelly Bag

Regardless of its name’s origin, there’s no denying that the Hermes Kelly bag has become an iconic fashion accessory that has stood the test of time. Its classic design and impeccable craftsmanship have made it a favorite among celebrities and fashion insiders alike, with some even considering it a better investment than stocks or gold.

Conclusion

So, to sum up: while the Hermes Kelly bag wasn’t originally named after Grace Kelly, her association with the accessory played a significant role in its rise to fame. Today, the “Kelly” remains one of Hermes’ most popular designs and a must-have for any serious handbag collector.

  • The Hermes Kelly bag was originally designed as a saddle holder for equestrians.
  • Grace Kelly used her Hermes bag to shield her growing belly from paparazzi cameras during her pregnancy.
  • The bag was officially renamed “Kelly” in 1977 in honor of Grace’s contribution to its success.

Whether you’re a fan of Grace Kelly or simply appreciate timeless fashion design, there’s no denying that the Hermes Kelly bag is an accessory worth investing in. So why not treat yourself to this piece of fashion history today?