Hermès Kelly
The Hermès Kelly is one of the world’s most famous handbags and epitomises classic elegance, exclusive materials and exceptional craftsmanship. Originally designed in the 1930s as the ‘Sac à Dépêches’, it was given its current name in honour of Grace Kelly, who made the model world-famous in the 1950s. Its distinctive features include the trapezium-shaped silhouette, the sturdy handle, the leather straps on the sides and the striking twist lock. Its understated yet unmistakable design makes the Kelly one of Hermès’ most sought-after bags.
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Hermès Kelly – Sizes & Styles
| Size | Dimensions (W x H x D) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Kelly II / Kelly 20 | approx. 20 x 12 x 6 cm | Compact miniature version with an elegant silhouette. Ideal for special occasions and small essentials. Particularly sought-after by collectors. |
| Kelly 25 | approx. 25 x 19 x 9 cm | A small, elegant Kelly for everyday use and special occasions. One of the most sought-after sizes, offering a perfect balance between style and functionality. |
| Kelly 28 | approx. 28 x 22 x 10 cm | A classic medium size with plenty of room for your essential everyday items. Versatile and particularly popular as an elegant everyday bag. |
| Kelly 32 | approx. 32 x 23 x 12 cm | A spacious, classic Kelly with timeless appeal. Particularly common in vintage models and ideal for everyday use and business. |
| Kelly 35 | approx. 35 x 24 x 13 cm | Large Kelly with generous storage space. Elegant yet practical for work, shopping or longer days out and about. |
| Kelly 40 | approx. 40 x 28 x 16 cm | An extra-large version with a striking silhouette. Rather rare and particularly appealing as a spacious business or travel bag. |
Styles & Designs
| Version | Material | Character & Style | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelly Sellier | Often Epsom, box calf or chèvre leather | Textured, elegant and particularly dimensionally stable. A classic, formal look. | Exposed stitching, sharp edges and a clearly defined trapezium-shaped silhouette. |
| Kelly Retourne | Often made from Togo, Taurillon Clémence or Swift leather | A soft, relaxed look with an elegant feel. Particularly versatile for everyday use. | Inset seams, rounded edges and a softer silhouette. |
| Kelly Box Calf | Smooth, glossy calfskin | Particularly classic and elegant. Typical of many sought-after vintage Kellys. | A glossy finish that develops a patina over time. Scratches may be clearly visible. |
| Kelly Epsom | Embossed calfskin with a fine texture | Modern, retains its shape well and elegant. Particularly popular for Sellier models. | Relatively light, retains its shape well and is resistant to minor scratches. |
| Kelly Togo | Naturally grained calfskin | Sporty yet elegant and suitable for everyday use, with a soft leather texture. | Distinctive grain, relatively resistant to minor signs of wear. Often found on Retourne models. |
| Kelly Taurillon Clémence | Soft, coarsely grained cowhide | A relaxed, luxurious look with a particularly supple feel. | Soft texture, larger grain pattern and, over time, often takes on a more relaxed shape. |
| Kelly Swift | Soft, almost smooth calfskin | Elegant and modern with particularly rich colour. | Fine surface, supple leather, more susceptible to visible scratches. |
| Kelly Exotic Leather | Depending on the version: crocodile, alligator, ostrich or lizard leather | Exclusive luxury designs with an extraordinary material effect. | Rare materials, distinctive finishes and, in some cases, very high collector’s value. |
| Special Order & Limited Editions | A variety of leather types, colour combinations and special materials | Customised and rare designs for enthusiasts and collectors. | Special colour combinations, distinctive Hardware and, for certain special orders, a horseshoe stamp. |
Special Notes
- Historical origins: The Hermès Kelly traces its origins back to a handbag model from the 1930s. It became world-famous thanks to Princess Grace Kelly, after whom the bag was later named.
- Sellier vs. Retourne: The Kelly Sellier features external stitching and an angular, structured shape. The Kelly Retourne has internal stitching and appears softer and more rounded.
- Size designation: The numbers 20, 25, 28, 32, 35 and 40 refer approximately to the width of the bag in centimetres.
- Characteristic fastening: Typical features include the two leather straps (sangles), the twist clasp (touret) and the padlock (cadenas).
- Wearing options: Classic Kelly models have a fixed handle and many versions are also fitted with a detachable shoulder strap.
- Hardware: Gold-coloured Hardware (Gold Hardware / GHW) and palladium-coloured Hardware (Palladium Hardware / PHW) are particularly common.
- Dating: Hermès uses embossed codes that provide clues as to the year of manufacture. The coding system has been modified several times over the years.
- Vintage models: When inspecting second-hand Kelly bags, particular attention should be paid to the leather edges, corners, handle, clasp, lining and shoulder strap attachments.
- Accessories: Depending on the model and what was supplied, the bag may include a shoulder strap, lock, key, clochette and dust bag.
- Model differences: Dimensions, internal layout, leather types and features may vary depending on the year of manufacture, size and version.