Learn everything you need to know about higher Hermès Kelly bag prices in 2025.
Brief History of the Hermès Kelly Bag
The history of the Hermès Kelly bag dates back to the 1852 and is closely intertwined with the evolution of the luxury brand Hermès. The Kelly bag's origins can be traced back to the release of the Haut à Courroies (HAC) bag that was made to hold saddles for equestrians. The HAC was reinterpreted into the Sac à Dépêches in the 1930s. This Hermès Kelly bag was designed by Robert Dumas, the son-in-law of Hermès CEO Émile Hermès. This Hermès bag first gained popularity when Grace Kelly used it to hide her pregnancy from paparazzi in 1955. The Princess of Monaco was introduced to the Kelly bag while filming To Catch A Thief and refused to part with it. Hermès renamed the bag the “Kelly” in 1977 as a nod to the actress-turned-princess. The Hermès Kelly original trapezoidal design included two triangular gussets, a cutout flap, a handle, and two side straps. The bag now features an optional shoulder strap, increasing its functionality. It is constructed of thirty-six pieces of leather and six hundred and eighty stitches by a single artisan over the course of 18 to 24 hours.
The Kelly has since taken on many new forms since its original release. The two main styles to choose from are the Kelly Retourne and the Kelly Sellier. The Sellier is more structured with stitching on the outside while hte Retourne is more relaxed with the stitching on the inside. The Kelly bag has also inspired a range of Hermès accessories including the Kelly wallet, the Kelly belt, the Kelly watch, and an array of clutches and smaller leather goods. The Hermès Kelly Bag remains one of the most iconic and popular luxury bags.
How much is an Hermès Kelly Bag
How much is an Hermès Kelly bag has increased again in 2025 for the leather Kelly 25 and Mini Kelly. The Kelly 25 in Togo leather and Retourne shape is now $12,000 at Hermès boutiques, up 6% since 2024 but up 28% from 2019. The Kelly 25 Sellier in Epsom is now $12,600, up almost 7% from 2024. The most popular Hermès Mini Kelly II Epsom is now $10,000, up 6% from 2024 and 18% from 2022. The Mini Kelly II in Mysore Chèvre is now $10,800, up 7% from 2024 and 18% from 2022. Prices for leather Kelly 28, Kelly 32 and Kelly 35 have not been updated as of January 2025. The Kelly Elan Epsom is now $10,600, up 6% from 2024.
Secondary Market Hermès Kelly Price
Secondary market prices generally follow primary market price increases for Hermès bags, but there can be a lag of 6-12 months. A pristine Hermès Kelly price at Sotheby's has remained largely unchanged on marketplace in 2024 and prices for 2025 are expected to remain largely flat. Leather Hermès Mini Kelly prices have remained unchanged between $33,000 - $28,000. A store fresh current date stamp Hermès Kelly Pochette in a popular neutral or new pastal color is also selling for around $30,000 or over 4.5x the boutique price. The Mini Kelly premium over retail remains the second highest after the Kelly Pochette at around 3x for a leather pristine bag with a recent date stamp. Hermès bags at around 3x even with the recent retail price increases. Pristine leather Hermès Kelly 25 and Kelly 28 bags have remained around $30,000- $26,000, around a 2.5x the original boutique price, similar to the leather Birkin premium.
Buying and Selling an Hermès Kelly at Sotheby's
Sotheby's can assist with buying or selling your next Hermès Kelly bag. We have a carefully curated selection of Hermès Kelly bags in pristine and excellent condition in the most popular leather and exotic materials. Shop the newest colors with 2024 date stamps, classic neutrals in all sizes and rare limited edition bags. We accept Kelly bags for consignment at auction and marketplace. Prices for Hermès Kelly bags range from about $10,000 for a vintage leather Kelly 32 to over $100,000 for a Crocodile Himalaya Kelly 25. The most popular leather Kelly 25 and Kelly 28 bags in pristine condition range from $25,000 t0 $30,000.
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