Hermès Raises Kelly Bag Prices: What You Need to Know
Discover your next Hermès Kelly bag from a curated selection, available for immediate shipping.
Learn everything you need to know about higher Hermès Kelly bag prices in 2024.
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 2024 for most of the popular models and materials. The Kelly 25 in Togo leather and Retourne shape is now $11,300 at Hermès boutiques, up 4% since 2023 but up 21% from 2019. The most popular Hermès Mini Kelly II Epsom and the Kelly 25 Togo Retourne have increased in price the most since 2022 at 14%. All of the most popular Hermès Kelly bags in Epsom and Togo leather have in increased price by 10% or more since 2022. Hermès Kelly price increase are in line with Togo Birkin 25 and Birkin 30 prices increases in 2024. The largest Hermès Kelly price increase in 2024 is for the Matte Alligator Mini Kelly that is now $34,700, up 22% from 2022 at Hermès boutiques. The softness in the global luxury market hasn't impacted Hermès bag sales, reporting a 20% increase in its leather goods division from last year. The company reported higher average spend by clients and sales of new models like the Constance Elan helped drive growth. Price increases for its most expensive bags including the Birkin and Kelly bag were also important contributing factors to growth in its bag business.
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 versus 2023. 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 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.
- Browse Hermès Kelly bags available for immediate delivery
- Explore upcoming handbag auctions across the globe
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