Past and Present| Fellows Blog

The Hermès Kelly bag, a staple for the long-lasting Hermès model for nearly a century, retains its long-standing fame as a must have bag for the fashion-conscious.

Historical past of the Hermès Kelly

The Kelly design is an evolution of Hermès’ first bag, the Haut à Courroies. Initially designed to hold the saddles Hermès have been identified for, this bag has turn into the template for lots of the home’s iconic designs however would now be recognised because the Birkin HAC. This authentic bag, the Kelly was named after the actress and princess Grace Kelly who had used a Sac à Dépêches to cowl her being pregnant from the press.

Many well-known names have been seen carrying the Sac à Depêches from the Thirties onwards. Nevertheless, its recognition might be largely accredited to its look on the arm of a famous person from Hollywood’s golden period – actress Grace Kelly.

Grace Kelly

Kelly starred within the 1955 Alfred Hitchcock-directed movie, ‘To Catch a Thief’. She wore the Hermès bag as a part of her on-screen wardrobe; she then adopted it into her off-screen fashion. Most notably, Grace Kelly would carry the bag to defend herself throughout her first being pregnant. {A photograph} of her on this act turned the duvet picture of Life journal in 1956. This prompted the nicknaming of the Sac à Depêches the “Kelly” bag. 

As a result of prevailing affiliation of the designer piece with the actress who popularised it, Hermès renamed the Sac à Depêches to the Kelly in 1977.

The Kelly bag stays iconic right this moment. Grace Kelly’s authentic Kelly bag was the centrepiece of the 2010 exhibition ‘Grace Kelly: Type Icon’, on the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The Type of the Kelly Bag

All Kellys are trapeze-shaped, structured luggage with a high deal with and removable shoulder strap. They arrive in various sizes from 15 to 50 (the dimensions is the measurement of the size of the bag, on the base, in centimetres).

The Kelly design has lent its iconic fashion to a complete assortment of things. From leather-based items reminiscent of wallets and belts to rings.

The bag stays undeniably iconic, regardless of which measurement you choose, it’s instantly recognisable as a Kelly. The alternatives for the Hermès admirer are the kind of leather-based, fashion of sewing, measurement, color and {hardware}.

A more moderen addition to the Kelly household is the Kelly Pochette. A part of John Paul Gaultier’s first assortment for Hermès in 2004, it is named the unique Mini Kelly. Envisioned as a compact iteration of the Kelly bag, this petite piece exudes timeless magnificence with its compact but purposeful design. Since its launch within the early 2000s, it has been a extremely sought-after piece for collectors however was not classed as a quota bag till lately. 

In keeping with the remainder of the Kelly vary, the Pochette contains the identical options such because the straps and switch lock closure. In contrast to the Mini Kelly, the Pochette can’t be transformed right into a shoulder bag, it’s a clutch. Nevertheless, it could possibly (importantly) match most standard-size cellphones, one thing you may wrestle with in a Mini Kelly 20. The highest deal with has some flexibility so you possibly can maintain it by the deal with or put your hand by means of as a typical clutch.  

This new imagining of a well-recognized fashion permits Hermès to extend its vary whereas staying true to the stylistic legacy of the model.  

Magic within the Particulars: Stitching and Leather-based

The fashion of sewing is denoted by Sellier or Retourne. Sellier interprets to saddle and refers back to the fashion being probably the most like the unique. The Sellier has a inflexible construction, with outlined corners and visual stitching.  Retourne, on this occasion, interprets to prove. The artisans begin off in the identical approach because the Sellier however then flip the bag inside out. This provides a Retourne softer corners and piping reasonably than stitching.

Some leathers go well with sure types higher than others. Clemence may be very gentle and barely heavier than the extra generally used Togo. Which means the leather-based can soften and stretch with age, giving it a slouchier and extra informal look, which works effectively with the fashion of the Retourne.

Whereas Chèvre may be very light-weight and fits the extra structured fashion of the Sellier. Kellys constructed from Chèvre are highly regarded and might be thought of unique pores and skin. The rise in recognition is generally because of the style for the mini Kellys being created in Chèvre. As a result of its closely textured grain, it’s a leather-based that’s extra forgiving of scratches and marks.

As a result of bag’s nice craft course of and recognition, the Kelly bag is a extremely unique buy. It takes a few years for loyal Hermès prospects to have the chance to buy one among these luggage.

A technique for a savvy shopper to keep away from this wait is to buy at public sale.

Hermès Kelly Luggage at Public sale

Lot 101

Hermès – Noir Epsom Kelly en Désordre 20

Estimate: £12,000 – £18,000

Lot 102

Hermès – Epsom Kelly pockets

Estimate: £1,500 – £2,000

Lot 169

Hermès – Taurillon Clemence Kelly Retourne 35.

Worth Realised: £6,565.00

Lot 170

Hermès – Togo Kelly Retourne 35.

Worth Realised: £5,460.00

Lot 171

Hermès – Taurillion Clemence Kelly 35.

Worth Realised:  £4,420.00

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Nicola Whittaker | Head of Purses