The iconic Kelly handbag dates way back to 1882 when the first bag was made. Originally it was a very large bag, plain and simple for holding a saddle and known as a Haut a Courroies, designed by Buggatti for Hermés wife Julie. In 1935 Hermes son in law Dumas redesigned this into a travel bag known as Sac å depeches which over the years evolved into the boxy grab handbag we all know and recognise today as a Kelly.

The Kelly became famous after Hollywood actress Grace Kelly used it in the film To Catch A Thief. Costume designer Edith Head purchased the bag and it quickly became a favourite. Months later, after her marriage to Prince Ranier of Monaco, the Kelly was used to shield the now pregnant Princess Grace's bump from the ever present paparazzi. The photographs were seen all over the world, on the front of every magazine and newspaper.The handbag became known as the Kelly but it was not officially renamed by Hermés until 1977.

The bag today is largely unchanged, a boxy bag, viewed from the side it is triangular in shape, short top handle with a fold over flap front, closing with 2 buckle straps with a twist lock and keys in a leather clochette. Locks and keys are numbered and the metallic hardware is gold or palladium plated to prevent tarnishing. The Kelly has a discreet stamp Hermés, Made in France plus the craftsman that made the handbag. The bag has a signature orange felt dust bag and stamped box.

There are 8 sizes ranging from the petite 15 centimetres to the grand at 50 centimetres and are made in a range of hides such as ostrich, calf, crocodile and lizard. Plus a rainbow of colours.The bags are handmade by Hermés in France by one expert artisan, hand sewn in their signature saddle stitch, buffed and polished using the finest leathers and take several days to create. 

Prices start at over £4,000 and escalate with the hides used and the quantity made. An extravagance that few can afford but don't despair you can still get the look, as there are many reputable designers that make fabulous quality bags inspired by the iconic Kelly. These are handmade by artisans producers in fine Italian leathers and look fabulous and will last a lifetime. But do also be careful of fakes which are poorly made in vast numbers using inferior materials in the Far East with counterfeit stamps.

The Kelly is certainly a bag fit for a princess.

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