The Most Expensive Hermès Kelly Bags
Discover the most expensive Hermès Kelly Bags including rare and limited edition designs.
Brief History of the Hermès Kelly Bag
Sotheby’s has sold nearly $60 million in Hermès Kelly bags since 2021, underscoring their enduring global appeal and status as icons of luxury craftsmanship.
The history of the Hermès Kelly bag traces back to 1852, beginning with the creation of the Haut à Courroies (HAC), a design originally intended to carry equestrian saddles. In the 1930s, the HAC was reimagined as the Sac à Dépêches by Robert Dumas, son-in-law of Hermès CEO Émile Hermès. The bag rose to international fame in 1955 when actress Grace Kelly, while filming To Catch a Thief, became inseparable from it and famously used it to discreetly shield her pregnancy from paparazzi. In 1977, Hermès officially renamed the bag “Kelly” in her honor. Featuring a trapezoidal silhouette with triangular gussets, a cutout flap, a single handle, and two side straps, the design later incorporated an optional shoulder strap for added versatility. Meticulously handcrafted from 36 pieces of leather using 680 stitches, each Kelly requires 18 to 24 hours of work by a single artisan.
Since its debut, the Kelly has evolved into multiple variations, with the two primary constructions being the structured Kelly Sellier and the softer Kelly Retourne. Its iconic status has also inspired a wide range of Hermès accessories, including wallets, belts, watches, clutches, and small leather goods. Today, the Hermès Kelly remains one of the most revered symbols of luxury and craftsmanship in fashion, celebrated for its elegance, exclusivity, and enduring legacy.
The Most Expensive Hermès Kelly Bags
| Kelly Style | Price (USD) |
| Hermès Kelly 28 Himalaya with Diamonds (2023 | $425,000 |
| Hermès Kelly 25 Himalaya (Paris, 2022) | $373,000 |
| Hermès Kelly Feather 32 So Black (2023) | $264,000 |
| Hermès Mini Kelly 20 Black Diamonds (2023) | $214,000 |
| Hermès Kelly 25 Metallic Bronze (2023) | $130,000 |
| Hermès Black Box Midas Kelly 25 Sellier (2023) | $155,000 |
| Hermès Kellywood Perspective Cavaliere 22 (2022) | $146,000 |
| Hermès Kellymorphose Silver Sac Bijou (2023) | $116,000 |
| Hermès Alligator Kelly Doll (2019) | $107,000 |
Most Expensive Hermès Kelly Bags
While Birkins often takes the top spot for the most expensive, the Kelly bag closely follows as one of the most coveted and valuable pieces from Hermès. Known for their rarity and desirability, Kelly bags continue to be highly sought after in the luxury market. Read on to explore some of the most collectible and expensive Hermès Kelly bags.
Hermès Kelly Himalaya
Not surprisingly the most expensive Hermès Kelly bags sold at Sotheby's are both Himalaya Kelly bags. A Hermès Kelly 28 Himalaya with Diamonds sold for $425,000 in 2023. The second most expensive Kelly bag was a Kelly 25 Himalaya sold in Paris for $352,800 Euro or just over $373,000. This was in incredible price for a crocodile Kelly Himalaya bag and was a reflection of the demand for this size in 2022. In 2023, a store fresh Kelly 25 Himalaya has sold for as high as 177,800 Euro or $187,000 while a Kelly 28 Himalaya sold for 190,500 Euro or $200,000.
Hermès Kelly Feather
A limited edition Hermès Kelly 32 Feather So Black sold for 2,032,000 HKD or $264,000 in 2023. The Hermès So Black collection was designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier when he was the creative director. Introduced in 2010, the So Black Collection was shown as part of Gaultier's final runway show with Hermès. The So Black Collection featured all black elements including the packaging and black PVD hadware. The So Black Kelly 32 Sellier from 2010 is crafted from black Box leather and saturated-black natural feathers along with distinct black PVD hardware. Hermès partnered with Maison Lemarié, the Haute Couture feather métier founded in 1880. Hermès artisans handpicked the finest feathers, and attached them onto the Kelly one at a time. The beautiful feathered panel makes this So Black Kelly truly rare and collectible.
Hermès Kelly 20 Diamond Crocodile
The most expensive Hermès Mini Kelly is the perfect combination of crocodile and diamonds. A Black Shiny Porosus Mini Kelly 20 with 18K white gold hardware and diamonds sold for 1,651,000 HKD or $214,630 at Sotheby's October 2023 Hong Kong Auction. This rare Kelly bag from 2023 stands as the epitome of sophistication, making it the ultimate statement evening bag. Diamonds on an Hermès bags is the ultimate upgrade to the most sought after bag.
Hermès Kelly 25 Metallic Bronze
The Limited Edition Bronze Metallic Kelly 25, which sold for 1,016,000 HKD in 2023, holds the title of the most expensive leather Kelly bag. The Limited Edition Metallic Hermès drew inspiration from the captivating displays created by Leila Menchari at the Hermès flagship store on 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. To achieve the distinctive metallic sheen, Hermès artisans infuse the leather with a special dye, altering its texture in the process, resulting in a unique and highly coveted masterpiece.
Hermès Black Box Midas Kelly 25 Sellier
A striking example of Hermès’ artistry, the Limited Edition Black Box Midas Kelly 25 Sellier with 18K yellow gold hardware sold for 1,206,500 HKD ($155,000 USD) at Sotheby’s in April 2025. Crafted in 2023, this ultra-rare edition draws inspiration from mythological opulence, pairing the house’s signature Black Box leather with radiant gold hardware of solid 18K yellow gold. Its elegant contrast of deep polish and luminous metalwork makes it one of the most luxurious Kellys ever produced.
Hermès Kellywood Perspective Cavalière Kelly 22
Another standout from Hermès’ recent collections is the Limited Edition Fauve Barenia Kellywood Perspective Cavalière Kelly 22, which achieved 1,143,000 HKD ($146,000 USD) at Sotheby’s in April 2025. Released in 2022, this intricate design combines seven distinct materials—including Barenia, Clemence, Togo, Epsom, Madame, Tadelakt, Chèvre, and even wood—finished with palladium hardware. Its architectural craftsmanship and multi-textural composition showcase Hermès’ innovative design ethos and extraordinary attention to detail.
Hermès Kellymorphose Silver Sac Bijou
A Sterling Silver Kellymorphose Sac Bijou sold for 889,000 HKD or $115,570 in 2023. The Kellymorphose wsa designed by Pierre Hardy, the Hermès jewelry creative director. Sterling silver Kelly bag that is part jewelry and part bag and can be worn many ways including cross body, shoulder bag and worn around the waste. It can also be carried is a top handle bag or worn as a necklace.
Hermès Kelly Doll
The most expensive Hermès Kelly Doll sold for 825,500 HKD or $107,000 in 2023. The Malachite Matte Alligator Kelly Doll with Gold Hardware and Black Swift Arms from 2019 is rare and highly collectible. While the Kelly Doll was first introduced in 2000, alligator versions rarely appear in the secondary market due to the very few that are produced by Hermès.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Most Expensive Hermès Kelly Bags
How much is a Hermès Kelly bag?
Pricing depends on size, material, and condition. As of 2025, a Kelly 25 in Togo or Epsom leather retails around $12,000–$12,600, while like-new examples often sell for $25,000–$30,000 on the secondary market. Rare or limited editions can achieve significantly higher prices at auction.
Which Hermès Kelly sizes are most popular with collectors?
The Mini Kelly 20 and Kelly 25 are consistently the most sought-after due to their rarity, portability, and strong resale performance. The Kelly 28 also remains a top choice for everyday use, offering more space without feeling bulky. Larger sizes tend to sell for less because of lower demand.
What materials make Hermès Kelly bags most valuable?
Exotic skins—particularly Niloticus crocodile and Alligator—command the highest prices, especially in collectible colorways like the Himalaya gradient. In leather, neutral shades in pristine condition also perform exceptionally well. Rare finishes, limited editions, and diamond hardware can further elevate value.
Buy and Sell Hermès Kelly Bags with Sotheby’s
Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the world of luxury handbags, Sotheby’s offers a trusted, seamless way to buy and sell Hermès Kelly bags on the secondary market.
Why Choose Sotheby’s?
- Expertly Vetted Selection
Explore rare and iconic Hermès Kelly bags, from entry-level Kelly 32 and vintage Kelly Sellier styles starting around $12,000 to highly coveted limited-edition Kelly bags exceeding $150,000. - Exclusive Global Access
Shop Hermès Kelly bags through Sotheby’s auctions and Buy Now marketplace, backed by a worldwide network of collectors and consignors. - Flexible Ways to Buy
Purchase online or in person at our locations in New York, Paris, and Hong Kong—or work with a dedicated handbags concierge to source specific Kelly sizes, colors, and leathers. - Exceptional Value
Every Hermès Kelly bag is authenticated and priced by Sotheby’s specialists to reflect true market value, with transparent provenance and condition reporting. - Constantly Evolving Inventory
Discover Sellier and Retourne Kelly bags in coveted colors, exotic skins, and rare seasonal releases, with new pieces added regularly.
Ready to Get Started?
- Browse Sotheby's upcoming handbag auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong
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