Hermes Kelly

Why choose a Kelly handbag from Hermès?

Instantly recognisable, the Hermès Kelly bag showcases understated elegance. Clean lines, a compact shape, and impeccable attention to detail make this designer bag a versatile addition to any outfit.

Like all Hermès bags, the Kelly is crafted with care by expert artisans. You can feel confident knowing you’ve invested in a high-quality accessory that not only remains popular to this day but also stands the test of time.

The history of the Kelly bag

Kelly handbags started their rise to fame as the "Sac à Dépêches" in the 1930s. This design was all about balancing practicality with style. Sac à Dépêches (or ‘Dispatch Bag’ in English) had a sturdy construction and offered plenty of space for the essentials.

Later, in the 1950s, the bag became a favourite of Grace Kelly’s. In honour of the star, Sac à Dépêches was renamed the Kelly.

As the years have passed, Kelly handbags have continued to be a much-loved icon in the fashion world, with many celebrities and collectors embracing the accessory’s chic aesthetic.

What is the most wanted Kelly bag?

Since its initial launch, the Kelly has been released in a variety of classic styles and special editions.

You can generally choose between two main styles:

- The Kelly Retourne: This is a slightly more relaxed style, with stitching on the inside.

- The Kelly Sellier: These Kelly handbags have more structure for a clean, sleek design.

Both of these Kelly bags are available in a variety of gorgeous colours, from sophisticated black to vibrant yellow.

There are also several sizes to choose from, ranging from very rare Mini designs, to the popular Kelly 25 (25cm wide), Kelly 28 (28cm wide), and Kelly 32 (32cm wide), right up to larger travel bag sizes.

Other variations include the leather type, which may be Epsom, with a fine texture, Clemence, which has more of a pebbled effect, and smooth, shiny Box Calf. However, you can also find rare and exclusive Kelly bags made from exotic materials, such as alligator hide and ostrich skin.

So, which combination is the most sought after? Well, the Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier in Epsom leather with gold hardware is widely considered the most popular. It’s a stylish option that transcends changing trends.

Is Hermès Kelly a good investment?

Investing in a Kelly bag can be seen as a great investment for an array of reasons. Firstly, it’s a truly luxurious addition to your wardrobe, bringing a touch of grace and refinement to any ensemble.

You are also investing in a piece of artisanal craftsmanship, with each handmade bag taking a minimum of 18 hours to create.

Kelly bags also retain their value very well, so if you choose to sell your bag in the future, you can feel confident in its price.

To ensure it holds its value, we recommend taking good care of your Kelly bag. If you have any concerns over its condition, we can provide professional handbag cleaning and restoration services to keep it looking its best no matter how much time passes.

Which Hermès bag is harder to get, Kelly or Birkin?

Both Birkin and Kelly handbags are incredibly popular, which means they can be tricky to get hold of new.

If you wish to buy directly from Hermès, you’ll need to navigate quotas — a restriction on how many bags you can buy annually — and may need to get yourself on waiting lists to access specific designs.

Generally, Kelly handbags are a little rarer than Birkin. However, at Best Quality Designer Bag Store, you’ll find an extensive collection of stunning Kelly handbags for sale without quotas.

Why buy a second-hand Kelly bag?

As well as offering plenty of choice when it comes to Hermès Kelly bags for sale, opting for pre-loved designs also brings some other benefits:

- No waiting lists: Skip the queue and have your desired Kelly bag in your wardrobe quickly with second-hand.

- Hidden gems: You can even find rare editions that are no longer available new.

- Genuine luxury: All of our vintage and pre-loved Kelly bags have been carefully assessed for authenticity, and we ensure they are in top condition before going on sale. You can feel confident knowing you’ve invested in the genuine article.

Learn more about our authentication process.

- Sustainability: Shopping second-hand promotes slow fashion, helping extend the life of a beautifully crafted Hermes bag.

Elevate your wardrobe with vintage Kelly handbags

There is a Kelly handbag to suit every outfit and occasion. With their sleek silhouettes and exceptional quality, it’s easy to see why Kelly bags are loved by celebrities and collectors the world over.

Peruse our online collection of pre-loved and vintage Kelly bags or visit our Selfridges concession stand to find the ideal addition to your wardrobe.

You can also explore our full range of other second-hand designer bags and build a collection of exquisite accessories that will last a lifetime. We have Louis Vuitton bags, second-hand Dior handbags, and Chanel handbags for sale.