The Saga of the Hermes Kelly Bag
In the middle of all the fashion trends, the Hermes Kelly bag is a shining example of classic elegance.
Originally designed to carry riding equipment for French nobles, the Haut à courroies was first introduced by the French atelier in 1892, marking the beginning of its storied history. With this, the design firm entered the handbag market for the first time. With iconic features like the flap closure, single rolled handle, leather sangles, metal plaque, and touret, this original design pays homage to the early Kelly and Birkin purses.
Robert Dumas transformed the Haut à courroies in 1928 into a more compact and sophisticated bag. This new bag was named the Sac à dépêche, or "dispatch bag." One of the first real purses, it stood out from the smaller, envelope-like bags that were popular at the time because of its strong trapezoid design, stiff structure, and practical top handle.
However, it was not until the Golden Age of Hollywood that the Kelly bag achieved its legendary status. In the 1955 Alfred Hitchcock film "To Catch a Thief," starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, renowned costumer Edith Head selected the Sac à Dépêches as part of Grace Kelly's character's wardrobe. The actress's affinity for the bag was apparent as she reportedly refused to part with it after filming concluded.
Two years later, Grace Kelly's fairytale romance culminated in marriage to Prince Rainier III of Monaco, propelling her into the role of Princess Grace of Monaco. During her pregnancy, Princess Grace famously used her beloved Sac à Dépêches to shield her growing belly from the relentless paparazzi. A photograph of her with the bag sparked a global frenzy among fashionable women who clamored for their own "Kelly bag."
In 1977, recognizing the cultural significance of the Sac à Dépêches, Hermes officially renamed it the Kelly bag, cementing its status as a cultural icon. Since then, the Kelly bag has remained a coveted symbol of luxury and sophistication, transcending fashion trends and retaining its timeless appeal. Its enduring legacy serves as a testament to the craftsmanship and enduring allure of Hermes.
