Must Have Rare & Collectible Limited Edition Hermès Kelly Bags
Learn more about four Limited Edition Hermès Kelly bags.
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.
Rare & Collectible Limited Edition Hermès Kelly Bags
Whether you are a seasoned collector or new admirer of Hermès Kelly bags, the following rare and collectible Limited Edition Kelly bags should be on your radar. While these Hermès Kelly bags were available in our Hong Kong Auction Sept 23 to Oct 2, we have a curated collection of Hermès Kellys for immediate purchase. While some of these specific may be Hermès Kelly bags may be hard to source, these provide a foundation for Kelly bags that are rare and collectible. We chose these Hermès Kelly bags since they are prior record breakers, first to market and limited edition styles. If you are looking to add rare and collectible Kelly bags to your collection, read on to learn more about four distinct styles to consider.
1. Limited Edition Kelly 25 Aizome Crocodile
The Limited Edition Kelly 25 Sellier Bleu Indigo Matte Porosus Crocodile Aizome from 2022 is a very rare exotic Hermès bag and sold for 540,000 HKD or $70,000. Aizome (藍染) is the name of a plant and refers to the Japanese art of indigo dyeing. This traditional dying technique requires meticulous manual dying over and over again to achieve the final outcome. The only previous Kelly bag with Hermès aizome dying technique was sold in 2023. The Hanada Porosus Crocodile Aizome Kelly 28 sold for almost $91,000. We love the subtle ombre effect of Aizome that makes this Kelly bag extra special. Additionally the bleu indigo aizome is our favorite color for this unique technique especially when paired with palladium hardware. This exceptional and elegant Hermès Kelly bag is a rare find so make sure to be on the look out for aizome crocodile.
2. Limited Edition Hermès Kelly 25 Metallic Gold
Limited edition metallic Hermès Kelly and Birkin bags from 2004 to 2005 are among the rarest and collectible leather Hermès bags. The last limited edition Hermès Kelly Metallic Bronze sold for over $130,000 in 2023 in Hong Kong and is the most expensive leather Kelly bag to sell at Sotheby's. The metallic gold leather with gold hardware potentially makes this Kelly 25 even more sought after than the bronze metallic Kelly 25 sold in 2023. The gold metallic Kelly 25 is extra special since it also comes from Kelly Chan's personal collection and the proceeds will to go to support the Kelly Chen Children Education Fund. The gold metallic Kelly 25 sold for 456,000 HKD or almost $60,000.
3. Limited Edition Hermès Kelly Mini Teddy
The Hermès Teddy Mini Kelly available in the Hong Kong auction is the first time this Mini Kelly bag has come to market at Sotheby's and sold for 420,000 HKD or almost $55,000. The unique combination of shearling and chamois grizzly make this the perfect apres ski bag. We don't anticipate many Mini Kelly Teddy bags will come to the secondary market so act fast if you find this rare and limited edition mini Kelly bag.
4. Limited Edition Hermès Kelly Elan Feathers
Hermès has a long history with adding feathers to limited edition bags and the latest iteration is likely to be a must have with collectors. The Kelly Elan with feathers is perfect is a statement making clutch or fun colorful shoulder bag. The Kelly Elan has been popular with Hermès collectors and this limited edition in Vert Comics is likely to draw interest from new and seasoned collectors. The Kelly Elan with feathers sold for 264,000 KHD or almost $35,000. Be on the look out for this very special Kelly bag.
Buying and Selling a Kelly Bag at Sotheby's
Sotheby's can assist with buying or selling your next Kelly bag include a rare limited edition bag. Sotheby's often has rare and collectible Hermès Kelly bags at auction. Sotheby's also offers a curated selection of Kelly Bags in pristine and excellent condition in the most popular leather and exotic materials for immediate purchase. 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. Expect pristine leather Kelly bags that are size 20, 25 and 28 to be priced between $25,000 to $35,000. Exotic bags are priced higher and older Kelly bags and larger 32 and 35 Kelly bags with some wear are priced lower. Prices for rare limited editions Kelly bags can exceed $50,000 to $100,000 depending on the bag.
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