Sleek and timeless elegance.
With limited edition pieces, an alluring waiting list and a history of film, royalty and glamour, the Hermès Kelly bag remains one of the most celebrated bags in fashion. In a previous story, we covered the story of the Birkin bag, inspired by fashion icon, actress and singer, Jane Birkin. In this story, we dive into the history of another renowned piece by Hermès: the Kelly bag.
Discover the history of the Hermès Kelly :
The Kelly bag first entered the scene in the 1930s. Initially created as a travel bag, the bag’s reimagination was led by Jean-Louis Robert Frédéric Dumas. Capturing the essence of Hermès as a brand, the artistry of the Kelly bag led to a spin on fashion in the 20th century, with a lasting significance today.
In the 1955 romantic thriller To Catch a Thief, Grace Kelly’s character Frances Stevens donned a Hermès bag, then known as the Sac à Dépêches. Edith Head, a celebrated costume designer, made the bag a part of Grace Kelly’s wardrobe for the film, where she instantly fell in love with the piece.
In 1956, Grace Kelly became the Princess of Monaco through her marriage to Monagasque Prince Rainier III, where their high-profile relationship was subject to heavy media attention. To conceal her pregnancy from the media, Kelly would use her Sac à Dépêches as a shield from the cameras. With the photographs splashed across magazines, people filed into Hermés boutiques to get their hands on the coveted piece, officially named the Kelly bag in 1977.
Find your next inspiration :
With a sleek silhouette, geometric shape and variety of sizes and colours, the Hermès Kelly makes the perfect arm candy for any occasion. Check out how some of our favourite fashion darlings have styled the Kelly into their looks :
Images courtesy of Instagram
