Holiday Gift Guide for the Hermès Kelly Bag Lover
Shop Hermès Kelly bags online or in-person, available for immediate shipping.
Brief History of the Kelly Bag
The history of the Kelly bag dates back to the 1852 and is closely intertwined with the evolution of 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 then reinterpreted into the Sac à Dépêches in the 1930s. It wasn't until Grace Kelly used the bag to hide her pregnancy in 1955 that the Sac à Dépêches became popular. Hermès renamed the bag the “Kelly” in 1977 as a nod to the actress-turned-princess.
Gift Guide for the Hermès Kelly Bag Lover
With the holiday season fast approaching, shop Sotheby's for the Hermès Kelly bag lovers in your life. We have the perfect gift for the seasoned Kelly bag collector and someone new to collecting Kelly bags. Most importantly, you can shop for Kelly bags online at Sotheby's. One less line this holiday season is the perfect reason to shop early and check the Kelly bag lover off your list. Read on to learn about our top Kelly bag gift picks this season.
Limited Edition Kelly 25 Madison 706 for the Seasoned Collector $65,000
If your Hermès Kelly bag lover is a seasoned collector, the Limited Edition Kelly 25 Madison 706 is sure to impress and delight this holiday season. This limited edition Kelly bag was created to commemorate the opening of its new flagship store in New York City, at 706 Madison Avenue, in 2022. The colourful “Hommage a Gene Kelly” pattern was designed by visual artist Geoff McFetridge. The striking and colourful graphic pattern portrays dancers in American actor, dancer and choreographer Gene Kelly’s trademark loafers and white socks twirling to energetic steps and the sounds of New Orleans jazz. Made using a leather marquetry technique, which requires utmost precision and skill to cut and assemble the various pieces of leather together to achieve the silhouette of the dancers, the craftsmanship on the Madison 706 Kelly 25 goes above and beyond the extraordinary artisanal skills already needed to craft a Kelly or Birkin. This vibrant and whimsical limited edition Kelly bag is perfect for the collector that already has a closet full of classic leather and exotic bags.
Limited Edition Hermès Kelly 28 for the Equestrian $48,500
Limited edition Hermès Kelly 28 with Painted Quadrige by Pierre Perron is the perfect gift for the equestrian in your life. Distinguished French artist, Pierre Péron, made significant contributions to Hermès, particularly through his iconic scarf designs. One of his most renowned creations is the Quadrige motif, which artfully interweaves four stylized horse heads and harnesses, reflecting Hermès' deep-rooted equestrian heritage. This rare limited edition Kelly 28 has this iconic scarf motif painted on the front and back of Natural Sable Butler leather.
HSS Hermès Mini Kelly for the Mini Bag Obsessed $36,000
If your Hermès Kelly bag lover is also mini bag obsessed, the Mini Kelly is the perfect gift. The modern Mini Kelly 20 II was introduced in 2016 and has remained one of the most popular and highly sought Kelly bags. While Hermès has released several limited edition Mini Kelly bags including the Teddy and Clouté Studded, the leather Mini Kelly bags remain the most popular. An elegant two color Mini Kelly in the brand's most coveted neutral colors Nata and Etoupe with contrast stitching is sure to delight. Hermès collectors are obsessed with its pretty neutrals and subtle details that make its bags unlike any other brand.
Hermès Kelly Pochette for the New Collector $27,000
The Hermès Kelly Pochette in a classic neutral with gold hardware is the perfect Kelly bag for the new collector. The Hermès Kelly Pochette was part of Jean Paul Gaultier's first collection for Hermès in 2004. Hermès still refers to this Kelly bag as the Original Mini Kelly and remains one of the most sought after Kelly bags. The classic flap, sangles and turn lock closure with top handle make this instantly recognizable as a Kelly bag, but its small size makes this your perfect clutch and a must have for any new collector. New collectors generally want to start with the basics in Kelly bag variations, materials and colors.
Hermès Kelly Elan for the Modern Day Swan $20,000
Hermès re-released the Kelly Elan in Spring 2023 to immediate positive response from Hermès bag collectors. This structured and slim Kelly shoulder bag with a removable strap allows for this bag to work as a clutch and shoulder bag. The original Kelly Elan was only produced from 2000 to 2002, so this is a rare find for the Kelly bag lover that is also a modern day swan. The 2024 fashion runways were dominated by 1950s and 1960s high society glamour with elevated basics in timeless silhouettes. The Kelly Elan is the perfect accessory to compliment The Swans inspired fashion, but its timeless design will be loved for seasons to come. If you are looking for an elegant and sophisticated gift this holiday season, look no further than the Kelly Elan.
Limited Edition Hermès Kelly 35 So Black for the Chic Big Bag Lover $41,200
If the Kelly bag lover in your life is a chic big bag lover, the So Black Kelly 35 is the perfect gift. Among the most coveted Hermès collections on the market are those created by 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. Since So Black Kelly bags are rare on the secondary market, the prices are much higher than newer leather Kelly 35 bags.
Shop Kelly Bags Online
While there are over 100,00 monthly searches for Hermès Kelly bags, you can only purchase a Kelly bag in one of its 294 global retail locations. Additionally the availability of Kelly bags is very limited and generally only available to purchase if you have an established relationship with an Hermès sales associate. Even established clients are limited to two quota bags per year, which includes the Kelly, Birkin and Constance bags. The only way to purchase an Hermès Kelly bag online in store fresh condition is from a trusted secondary market seller. Given the strong demand for Kelly bags, there is a premium for pristine Kelly bags on the secondary market that ranges from 50% above retail to almost 3x retail for a leather Mini Kelly.
Buying a Kelly Bag at Sotheby's
Sotheby's has a curated selection of Hermès Kelly bags available to purchase online or in person in one of our global Salons. Shop the newest colors with 2024 date stamps, classic neutrals in all sizes and rare limited edition bags. Expect to find pristine leather Kelly bags that are size 20, 25 and 28 to be priced between $25,000 to $35,000. Exotic Kelly bags are priced higher while vintage Kelly bags that are size 32 and 35 are generally priced lower. Prices for rare limited editions Kelly bags can range from $50,000 to more than $100,000 depending on the bag. If you are looking for a specific Kelly bag you don't see listed online, make sure to contact a salon associate to assist. New bags arrive weekly, so you can also check back regularly for the latest selection.
- Browse Hermès Kelly bags available for immediate delivery.
- Explore upcoming handbag auctions across the globe.
- Contact a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich or Hong Kong to schedule a viewing.
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