The Kelly 32 bag by Hermès, a legendary bag.
Hermès is a French house of haute couture founded in 1837. Its first focus was designing saddlery, like harnesses and other horse-riding equipment. Very quickly, the luxury brand broadened its focus and diversified into other areas. The brand now creates clothing and fashion accessories like the famous silk scarves that have cemented the prestige of Hermès. The brand, however, did not stop there. Leather goods and perfumes also joined the ranks of this legendary name's designs. Hermès is undeniably a reference in luxury leather goods with models that have marked their era like the glorious Kelly bag created in 1892.
A creation revealing the exceptional know-how of Hermès.
The Kelly bag is one of the many emblematic models Hermès has presented over the years. It is proof of the extremely high quality the family fashion house has continued to display throughout its history. Each piece is meticulously put together by hand in the brand's workshop using age-old and unrivalled know-how. Initially, the bag aimed mainly at horse-riders, made it possible to easily transport material necessary for the horses. It was subsequently revisited in 1935, becoming more compact with a more refined form to appeal to the taste of the ladies of the period. The bag was, at that time, known only as "dispatch bag". In 1958, it acquired its definitive title with an anecdote involving Princess Grace Kelly, who apparently used it to hide her pregnancy from photographers waiting for her when she arrived on the tarmac. The image was reproduced in newspapers everywhere, propelling the model into the realms of iconicism. This Hermès model stands out because of its streamlined geometric form and the metal padlock on its front. The Kelly bag is now available in different sizes and colours, satisfying the high demand from customers and their desires. The Kelly 32 is one of the legendary formats of this cult bag from the House of Hermès. The selection of materials for the bags is based on exacting standards of luxury and quality.
Making one of these models requires around 20 hours of work by hand for an experienced craftsperson working for the House of Hermès. There is a waiting list of around 3 or 4 years before you can get your hands on a brand new version of one of these bags.
Pre-owned Kelly bags on Vestiaire Collective.
The Kelly bag by Hermès is one of the brand's most luxurious and emblematic models. Not everyone has the wherewithal to be able to afford the investment required to own one. Vestiaire Collective, a website specialising in the resale of big brand items, gives you the opportunity of unearthing a pre-owned version of one of these models at a much more affordable price.
Hermès acquired its international reputation with the creation of the Kelly bag. This star piece in the universe of leather goods comes in different versions, with the following being absolute must-haves: