In 1837, Thierry Hermès (1801–78) founded his eponymous luxury goods company in Paris as a saddle manufacturer, serving the era’s carriage trade. In 1880, under the stewardship of Thierry's son Émile-Charles, fine riding gear was added to its offerings to complement the saddles. Hermès eventually expanded their workshops to design handbags in the years that followed. The Kelly bag, originally introduced as the Sac à dépêches (“the dispatch bag”) in 1935, was created by Robert Dumas, son-in-law to Thierry's grandson Émile-Maurice Hermès.
Designed for independent women who wanted a piece that was both luxurious and efficient, the Kelly bag has a trapezoid shape, two triangular gussets, a sculpted flap and a handle.
To this day, the understated bag comprises 36 individual leather pieces, 16 studs and a signature padlock and leather key cover, with three layers of leather at the base to ensure the bag can stand upright. Each Kelly bag takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches owe solely to one Hermès artisan.
The Kelly bag earned its name during preproduction on Alfred Hitchcock’s 1955 film, To Catch a Thief. Costume designer Edith Head sourced products from Hermès to outfit actress Grace Kelly, who fell in love with the Sac à Dépêches and continued to carry it long after the movie wrapped.
Months after marrying Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956, Kelly was spotted carrying a brown pigskin Sac to shield her pregnancy from the paparazzi. And while the oft-repeated claim that Kelly and her bag appeared on a Life magazine cover isn’t true, photography of the actress and her cherished accessory began to appear everywhere at the time, and the bag’s profile suddenly skyrocketed.
In 1977 Hermès officially changed the item’s name to the Kelly bag. Less than a decade later, Hermès introduced another top-handled bag to its line, also named after a style symbol, the Birkin bag.
The Paris-based British actress Jane Birkin sat next to Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas — Robert's son — on an Air France flight. He noticed her overflowing handbag, and she told him she longed for “a handbag that is bigger than the Kelly but smaller than Serge’s suitcase,” in reference to her then-romantic partner, the French musician Serge Gainsbourg. The Birkin bag was created in 1984, joining the Kelly in Hermès’ permanent collection.
Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Black Galop D'Hermes Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch featured in Black very rare Galop D'Hermes Vache leather. Timeless with a flat grain, this lea...
Hermes Kelly 28 Vintage Retourne Black Swift Leather Gold Hardware 1998
By Hermès
Located in AUBERVILLIERS, FR
Condition: GOOD ORIGINAL CONDITION Overall moderate signs of use. Scratches on leather and hardware. Light stains on the inside. Cracks on the resin. Light cracks on the side flap. ...
Hermes Kelly 32 Limited Edition Lakis Bag Tosca Swift Leather Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes 32 Kelly Lakis limited edition bag featured in rich, saturated Tosca. Two front zipper pockets and one large rear zipper pocket for easy access - think ph...
Hermes Kelly Pochette Ostrich Clutch Gris Perle
By Hermès
Located in London, England
Hermes Kelly Pochette Ostrich Clutch in Gris Perle with gold hardware. This Hermes bag features a small top handle, a cross over flap, and a str...
Hermés Kelly Sellier 25cm Rose Pourpre Epsom PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A spectacular Hermès 25cm Kelly bag. The exterior of this Kelly features a Sellier style in Rose Pourpre leather. The Rose Pourpre leather is complemented with palladium hardware and...
Hermès 1982 Kelly Bag 32 cm Gold Courchevel Leather with Strap
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Hermés 2 way Kelly bag, Retourne, 32 cm, Curchevel leather in gold, Collection L in circle = 1982 with long autentic Strap, Lock and Key and Hermes dustbag included. MADE IN FRANCE ...
Hermès Violet Epsom 32 cm Kelly Sellier
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This authentic Hermès Violet Epsom 32 cm Kelly Sellier is in pristine condition with the protective plastic intact on the hardware. Hermès bags ...
Hermes Etoupe Kelly 25 Swift Padded Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers an Hermès Etoupe Kelly 25 in Swift leather that is an elegant and refined piece. The warm taupe hue complements the soft, supple texture of Swift leather, wh...
$19,950
Hermes 28 Kelly Lagoon Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Kelly 28 Lagoon Bag. Teal color in chevre leather. Most wanted size in Kelly. Silver palladium hardware. Excellent condition. Rare color and leather. Interior clean. Includes ...
Hermès 2009 Sienne Clemence Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Sienne Clemence Leather Kelly 35cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1452 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 35cm Type: Top Handle Serial Number: [M]...
HERMÉS KELLY BAG, 2 way, 35 cm, Epson leather, H in squer, Kollektion 2004
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
HERMÉS KELLY BAG, 2 way, 35 cm, Epson leather in brown and ornage, inside the bag, H in squer, collektion 2004, Customized design, verry good condition, Made in France Dimensions: ...
Hermes Designer Adnet French Art Deco Set Shot Glass Rosewood Carrier 1920s
By Hermès
Located in Chicago, IL
French Jacques Adnet--before he gained fame designing furnishings for Parisian luxury artisan house Hermes--created this Art-Deco-period bar set with his characteristic combination o...
Hermes Bleu Electrique Mini Kelly 20 Epsom Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers an Hermès Bleu Electrique Mini Kelly 20 Sellier in Epsom leather that is a bold and striking statement piece. Its vibrant blue hue enhances the structured si...
Hermes Kelly Doll Charm Bag Bleu Electric, Feu, Jaune de Naples
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Playful yet meticulously crafted, this Hermès Kelly Doll Bag Charm captures the house’s whimsical side while preserving its uncompromising attention to ...
Hermes Kelly Pochette Feu Orange Epsom Leather Palladium Hardware Rare Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Rare and Most Coveted Hermes Kelly Pochette Feu Orange. Epsom Leather Complimented by Palladium Hardware. Excellent Pristine Condition Plastic on All Hardware. Buy with confidence ...
HERMES PIMENT red Swift leather KELLY 25 RETOURNE Bag w Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes Kelly 25 Retourne bag in Rouge Piment red Veau Swift leather with palladium hardware. Lined in Chevre (goat skin) with an open ...
Brand New Hermes Black Mini Kelly 20 HSS verso Gold
By Hermès
Located in VALBONNE, FR
Mini Kelly 20 Hermès Neuf Jamais porté, HSS Commande Spéciale en cuir Epsom Noir verso Gold - stamp K de 2025. Tous les plastiques de protection sont présents sur les parties métalli...
Hermes Gold Mini Kelly 20 Sellier Epsom Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Jewels Aficionado offers the Hermès Gold Mini Kelly 20 Sellier in Epsom leather, a timeless statement piece. Its warm brown hue with caramel undertones enhances the structured silhou...
Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch Blue Ocean Galop D'Hermes Vache Palladium
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch featured in Bleu Ocean very rare Galop D'Hermes Vache leather. Timeless richly satu...
Hermès 2011 Tosca Clemence Leather Kelly 40cm Retourne Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Tosca Clemence Leather Kelly 40cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1467 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 40cm Type: Top Handle Serial Number: [O] Age: 2011 Accompanied By: Pad...
Hermès Kelly 25 Gold Togo Leather Gold Hardware K Stamp
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermès Kelly 25 Gold Togo Leather Gold Hardware K Stamp Elevate your style with the timeless allure of the Hermès Kelly 25 in Gold Togo Leather. It...
Hermès Kelly 28cm Evercolor Blue Hydra with Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Hermès Kelly 28cm is crafted in Evercolor leather, known for its structured, durable texture and soft, refined touch. The Blue Hydra hue offers a serene, luminous presence that ...
Hermès Black Sombrero Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Handbag, 2020
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Black Sombrero Leather Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1476 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: Y Age: 2020 Accompanied...
HERMES KELLY BAG 2 WAY 35 cm, CHEVRE LEATHER IN BLACK, KOLLECTION 1998 - B
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Hermes Kelly Bag 35 cm, 2 way, Chevre leather in black, a very insensitve leather, marked with B - 1998 the square . Very good condition - ...
New Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Noir Black Epsom Gold Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Hermes Kelly 28 Sellier Noir Black Epsom Gold Hardware New Never used. A Collectors Piece Measurements : 22cm High x 28cm Wide x 10cm Deep The Kelly bag came to success when it was ...
HERMÉS KELLY Retourne 32 cm bag in toile beige, Courchevel blue leather 1995s
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
Iconic Hermès "Kelly Retourne" 32 cm 2 way bag (Made in France), beige Canvas and ''Courchevel dark blue leather. Stamped with Y - 1995. Measurement Height 23 cm - Width of t...
Hermès Kelly Mini II Cuivre Chèvre Mysore PHW
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful Hermès Kelly Mini II handbag. The exterior of this Kelly Mini features Cuivre Chèvre Mysore leather and is complemented by palladium hardware and tonal stitchings. It has...
Hermès 2023 Etoupe Togo Leather Kelly 25cm Retourne Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Etoupe Togo Leather Kelly 25cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1474 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder Serial Number: B Age: 2023 Accompanied By...
Hermes Kelly 25 Black Tadelakh Sellier Gold HW Complete Original Receipt 2022
By Hermès
Located in Forest Park, GA
Hermes Kelly 25 Black Sellier Tadelakh Gold Hardware Z The Hermès Kelly 25 in Black Sellier Tadelakt Leather with Gold Hardware, stamped Z, is an exceptionally coveted piece that re...
Hermès Bleu Indigo, Black, Cuivre Togo & Box Calf Au Galop Leather Kelly 28cm
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Hermès Bleu Indigo, Black, Cuivre Togo & Box Calf Au Galop Leather Kelly 28cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1067 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 28cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder ...
Hermès 2008 Rouge Garance Togo Leather Kelly 32cm Retourne Handbag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Rouge Garance Togo Leather Kelly 32cm Retourne Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1473 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 32cm Type: Top Handle, Shoulder, Crossbody Serial Number: [L] Ag...
$32,800Sale Price|20% Off
Hermès Kelly 25cm Sellier Rose Jaipur With Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Hermès Kelly 25cm Sellier is crafted in supple Rose Jaipur leather, offering a soft yet structured texture that holds its sculpted silhouette beautifully. The warm pink hue shif...
Hermès 2023 Gris Meyer Swift Leather Padded Kelly 25cm Sellier Top Handle Bag
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Gris Meyer Swift Leather Padded Kelly 25cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1463 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 25cm Type: Top Handle, Should...
HERMÉS KELLY Sellier 2 way bag 35 cm gold Courchevel leather, stamp B /1998
By Hermès
Located in Stuttgart, DE
A gorgeous Hermès Kelly Sellier 35 cm bag in gold Courchevel leather (Made in France). The gold Courchevel leather is complemented with gold ...
Hermès Bleu Electric & Gris Tourterelle Togo Leather Special Order HSS Kelly 28
By Hermès
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Hermès Bleu Electric & Gris Tourterelle Togo Leather Special Order HSS Kelly 28cm Sellier Product Details Xupes Ref: CB1475 Brand: Hermès Model: Kelly 28cm Type: Top Handle, Sho...
$18,080
Hermes Orange Kelly 28 Bag
By Hermès
Located in Athens, GA
Hermes Orange Kelly 28 Bag. Classic orange color with silver palladium hardware. Interior clean. Good condition. Rare size 25 Kelly. Includes clochette, lock, keys, and dust bag. Gua...
Hermès Black Lizard Micro Kelly Bag Charm with Twilly
By Hermès
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This Hermès Micro Kelly bag charm is crafted in sleek black lizard leather, offering a textured, glossy surface that feels refined and tactile. Its min...
Hermes Nata Off-White Epsom Leather Kelly To Go Wallet Crossbody Bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Nata Epsom Leather Kelly To Go Wallet Crossbody Bag Made In: France Year of Production: 2022 Color: Nata beige Hardware: Goldtone Materials: ...
Hermès Kelly 28 Retourné Togo Leather Pink Palladium Hardware 2010
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Magnificent Hermès Kelly 28 Retourné in pink Togo leather with palladium hardware. Turn-lock closure, zipped and slip pockets inside. Date code ☐N (2010), made in France. Includes lo...
Hermès Porte cles Touquet Margiela Black Leather Kelly Key Holder Hermes
By Hermès, Martin Margiella
Located in PARIS, FR
Hermès "Touquet" model key holder by Martin Margiela, inspired by the clochette and strap found on Kelly, Birkin, or Bolide bags. Crafted from black Box leather (with matching graine...
Hermes Kelly II Retourne 28 Veau Swift Anemone
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes Kelly II Retourne 28 Veau Swift Anemone, Palladium Hardware Condition: Brand New Material: Swift Leather Measurements: (W)28cm × (H)22cm × (D)11.5cm Hardware: Palladium plat...
Hermés Kelly Jump Backpack Bag In Noir Swift Leather GHW 2025
By Hermès
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A rare Hermès Kelly Jump backpack bag. The exterior of this Kelly Jump is crafted in Noir Swift leather, and is complemented with gold-tone hardware and tonal stitching. It features ...
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A symbol of luxury and elegance, the design has a storied past and a legion of devoted collectors.