Don't Miss Two of the Rarest Limited Edition Hermès Kelly Bags: Kellywood and Kelly So Black Feather

T he market for luxury designer bags and small leather goods has grown dramatically, and is expected to grow to US$100 billion by 2027 from US$72 billion today. Within the secondary market, the demand for collectible Hermès bags is soaring and expected to continue due to strong demand exceeding supply. Among the most popular includes Hermès Birkin and Hermès Kelly bags. Even more coveted are Hermès’ Limited Edition releases, many produced for one season only, or others that run for years, getting redesigned into fresh versions.

The ultimate Hermès bag for many handbag collectors is the Kelly bag. The Hermès Kelly has roots reaching back to 1892, when the iconic closure was first used in a design meant for carrying a saddle and riding boots. In the 1930s, the bag was redesigned by Robert Dumas, the son-in-law of Émile-Maurice Hermès, into its iconic trapezium shape. This was a nod towards the increasing popularity of the automobile, and was meant to fit in a side door pocket. The bag however, did not gain popularity until 1956 when Grace Kelly used the Hermès bag to shield her baby-bump from paparazzi. Subsequently, in 1977, the Hermès bag was officially named the Kelly bag after the actress and Princess of Monaco.

Read on to discover two limited edition Hermès Kelly bags that are among the rarest and most collectible featured at Sotheby's Hong Kong Handbags & Accessories sale and 50th Anniversary Luxury Evening Auction: The Exceptionals in April 2023.

Hermès Kellywood Perspective Cavaliere Kelly 22

First introduced in 2020, the Kellywood redefined the iconic Hermès Kelly bag with the addition of a new size: 22. Initially crafted in Bog Oak using the innovative Larmé inlay technique, the latest iteration showcases a solid beechwood body paired with a front panel featuring the Bauhaus-inspired "Perspective Cavalier" pattern, designed by the art collective Anamorphée. This stunning piece requires the intricate joining of six different leather types, spanning eleven colors, and totaling 60 individual pieces, showcasing Hermès' unparalleled marquetry expertise. The front flap is made from Fauve Barenia leather, with precise white contrasting stitching. Produced in an extremely limited quantity, the Kellywood Perspective Cavalier is among the rarest and most sought-after collectible bags on the market.

Hermès Kelly 32 Feather So Black

Among the most coveted Hermès collections on the market are those created by fashion world legend Jean-Paul Gaultier. During his tenure as the Creative Director of Hermès from 2004 to 2010, the revolutionary French designer created iconic spin-offs of the house’s signature designs. Produced in limited quantities and sometimes exclusively for runway shows, these bags are no longer in production and remain highly coveted by collectors. Debuted in his final year at Hermès, the So Black collection is among the most highly sought-after in the secondary market. While prices and demand skyrocketed in 2019 before stabilizing, So Black bags that appear on the market continue to fetch record prices, in particular for exotic designs owing to their scarcity.

The rarest So Black bags feature panels of feathers. Constructed in collaboration with Maison Lemarié, the haute couture feather métier founded in 1880, the Hermès So Black Feather Kelly is a true masterpiece demonstrating the exquisite craftsmanship of two historic French luxury ateliers. Together, Hermès and Maison Lemarié selected the finest natural feathers, attaching them meticulously to the Kelly bag one at a time to create a luxurious and majestic front panel; an unparalleled touch of extravagance to heighten the classic Hermès Kelly Bag.

Advantages to Buying an Hermès Bag on the Secondary Market

1. Access

Sotheby's is able to provide access to a curated selection of Hermès bags from its long established global network of sellers. Sotheby's is a leading global marketplace that offers pristine Hermès bags in the most popular colors, materials and sizes along with rare Himalayan and Limited Edition Hermès bags. Our handbag specialists are always sourcing the more desirable Hermès bags from collectors around the world. Sotheby's also sells incredible private collections that include one of a kind Hermès bags.

2. Flexibility

Sotheby's provides multiple ways to purchase bags including auction, online, and in person in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris and London. Sotheby's also offers a concierge service if you need assistance sourcing a specific Hermès bag that isn't available at auction or online.

3. Value

While Hermès bags in pristine condition sell at a premium to retail, Sotheby's has bags for purchase at auction and marketplace in a range of the most desirable colors and materials. Secondary marketplaces like Sotheby's allow a buyer to purchase a store fresh pristine Hermès bag with the original box and all plastic still on the hardware without waiting for a call from an Hermès sales associate. While it is possible to purchase a Hermès Bag at a boutique, it is hard to predict how long it will take. Additionally if you don't have an existing relationship at the store, it is even harder to pick the exact bag including size, color and hardware. In many cases you may be offered a Hermès bag that may not be your desired color or size. Buyers also come to Sotheby's since they want to purchase more than two Hermès bags in a year. While we encourage you to build a relationship with an Hermès Sales Associate, Sotheby's can save you time when purchasing a Hermès.

4. Discovery

One of the best parts of a global luxury marketplace is discovering unique one of a kind Hermès or rare limited edition Hermès bags that are no longer available at Hermès. Sotheby's curated selection changes regularly and each auction has a unique selection of Hermès bags. You are likely to discover something new to you from Hermès.

Buy and Sell an Hermès Bag at Sotheby's

Sotheby's always has a curated selection of the top Hermès bags available for immediate shipping. Sotheby's also sells Hermès bags at auction in New York, Paris, Zurich and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Birkin and Kelly bags in every sale in addition to other popular Hermès bags in pristine condition in the newest colors and classic neutrals. Sotheby's handbag sales include rare and limited edition Hermès bags in exotic materials, custom color combinations and even diamond hardware.

Prices for entry level Hermès bags range from $3,000 to $5,000 for the Herbag, Garden Party and Evelyne TPM. Prices for the most sought after Birkin and Kelly bags start at around $20,000 and can exceed $100,000 for the rarest and most desirable limited edition Birkin or Kelly bags.

Explore upcoming handbag auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
Contact a Handbag Specialist about selling an Hermès bag or submit your item here for valuation.

Trust our worldwide network of leading handbag specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.