What Is a Hermes Kelly Bag?

The Hermes Kelly Bag is a luxury handbag that has been around for almost a century. It was originally designed in the 1930s by Robert Dumas, who was the son-in-law of Emile Hermes, the founder of the iconic French fashion house. The bag was named after Grace Kelly, an American actress who became Princess of Monaco in 1956 and famously used the bag to conceal her pregnancy from the paparazzi.

Design and Features

The Hermes Kelly Bag is a structured, rectangular bag that comes in various sizes. It is crafted from high-quality leather and features a signature turn-lock closure on the front flap.

The interior of the bag is spacious and typically lined with leather or suede. Some versions also include pockets or compartments for added organization.

Materials

Hermes is known for using only the finest materials in their products, and the Kelly Bag is no exception. The most commonly used materials for this bag are:

  • Leather – Hermes uses a variety of leathers for their bags, including Togo, Epsom, Clemence, and Swift.
  • Exotic skins – For those looking for something even more luxurious, Hermes offers Kelly Bags made from exotic skins such as alligator, crocodile, and ostrich.
  • Metal hardware – The turn-lock closure and other hardware on the Kelly Bag are typically made from precious metals like gold or palladium.

Sizes

The Hermes Kelly Bag comes in several sizes to fit different needs and preferences. The most common sizes are:

  • 25cm – This is the smallest size available and is perfect for carrying essentials like a phone, wallet, keys, and lipstick.
  • 28cm – Slightly larger than the 25cm, this size can fit a bit more without being too bulky.
  • 32cm – This is the most popular size and can hold all of your daily essentials plus a tablet or small laptop.
  • 35cm – The largest size available, this bag is great for those who need to carry a lot of items with them.

Price and Availability

The Hermes Kelly Bag is one of the most sought-after handbags in the world, and as such, it comes with a hefty price tag. The cost varies depending on the size, material, and hardware used, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to over $100,000 for one of these bags.

Due to their popularity and limited availability, Hermes Kelly Bags are often difficult to come by. They are typically only sold in Hermes boutiques and through authorized resellers. If you’re interested in purchasing one of these bags, be prepared to join a long waiting list or pay a premium price from a reseller.

Conclusion

The Hermes Kelly Bag is an iconic piece of fashion history that has remained popular for almost a century. Its timeless design and high-quality materials make it a coveted item among fashion enthusiasts and collectors alike. While it may not be accessible to everyone due to its high price point and limited availability, owning a Hermes Kelly Bag is considered by many to be the ultimate status symbol in luxury fashion.