The Origins of the Kelly
Hermès first introduced handbags in 1900 when the company released the Haut à Courroies (HAC). This Hermès bag was designed specifically to carry the saddles of equestrians. In 1935, the HAC was reimagined as the Kelly – then called the Sac à Dépchêches. This Hermès purse was a favorite of actress turned princess Grace Kelly, who used it to hide her pregnancy from paparazzi. The princess of Monaco popularized the bag, and the purse received her name in 1977. Since its introduction, the Kelly’s iconic design has been reimagined into countless iterations to match the broad scope of Hermès clients. The following Kelly bags appeal to the bold and light-hearted -- those who require an accessory that mirrors their good humor.
Kelly Doll: Perfect Balance Between Art & Play
The Kelly Doll or Quelle Idole was brought to life in 2000 by Jean-Louis Dumas, the Executive Chairman of Hermès. A masterful drawer, Dumas sought to design a Kelly that was playful and fun. This Hermès Kelly is a creative mix of luxury handbag and child’s toy. Its name, Kellydole, is a play on the French phrase “quelle idole”, which translates to “what an idol!”. This anthropomorphic Hermès bag is particularly loved in Japan, where the kawaii aesthetic dominates. The Kelly Doll comes in a variety of colors, leathers, and exotics. This very rare handbag is typically made with palladium-plated hardware.
Candy Kelly: Hermès Bags that Brighten Any Room
Hermès Candy Kellys are vibrantly colored bags resembling Starbursts and are just as sweet. These delectable bags are designed to have an exterior color that contrasts with the color of the leather interior. This Hermès handbag is available in many lively bi-color shades like Lime and Gris Perle, Kiwi and Lichen, Jaune d’Or and Feu Orange, and others. The bag is accented with palladium-plated or permabrass hardware. Sizes of the Candy Kelly include 32 cm, 25 cm, 28 cm, and 35 cm. This Kelly bag is typically constructed out of Epsom calfskin leather for the exterior with a Chevre calfskin leather interior. Hermès Candy Kelly handbags provide a pop of color to collector’s wardrobes.
Cheval Kellys: Bold Experimentations with Design
The Kelly A Cheval Collection features three styles of Kelly bags: the Kelly Au Pas, the Kelly Au Trot, and the Kelly Au Galop. Released in the Fall/Winter 2017 collection, these Kelly bags directly reference Hermès’ iconic equestrian roots. The names of the Hermès bags correspond to the three paces of a horse: the step, the trot, and the galop. These three Kellys are distinguished by the colorful pattern of their top handle. Kelly Au Galop bags have a zig-zag design, Kelly Au Trot bags feature a striped pattern, and Kelly Au Pas bags have three stripes on their top handle -- a thick middle band accompanied by two thin outer bands. These 28 cm bags come in striking colors. Hermès Kelly A Cheval bags are fun collectibles for the dedicated Hermès fanatic.
