Hermès Kelly 32 Retourne White Clemence
About the Item
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Width: 5 in (12.7 cm)Length: 12.25 in (31.12 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Altered (not by designer). Corners have been touched up by a professional leather artisan.
- Seller Location:West Hollywood, CA
- Reference Number:
Hermès
For Hermès, what began as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen would eventually grow into one of the most storied fashion labels in the world. In 1837, German-born French entrepreneur Thierry Hermès opened a saddle and harness purveyor in Paris. Gradually, the house extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and modernist jewelry to pillows and handbags.
The first top-handled bag ever produced by Hermès was the Haut à courroies, which made its debut in 1892. A tall bag secured with a folded leather flap (fastened with bridle-inspired straps), it was designed to transport riding boots and a harness.
As the world made the switch from horse to automobile, the bag adapted, becoming a multifunctional travel satchel instead of a designated saddlebag. Today, 120 years later, the HAC remains in Hermès’s line — and its distinctive flap and clasping straps have laid the groundwork for some of the house’s other iconic bags.
In the 1930s, Robert Dumas (son-in-law to Émile-Maurice Hermès, Thierry’s grandson) designed a smaller, trapezoidal take on the flap bag with a handle and two side straps. Later, actress Grace Kelly, then engaged to Prince Rainier of Monaco, is said to have used one of these bags to conceal her pregnancy during the 1950s. Because she was photographed constantly, the coverage catapulted her handbag to international popularity.
In 1977, Hermès officially renamed the model for her, and the Kelly bag was born. Each Kelly bag takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches owe solely to one Hermès artisan.
Robert Dumas was also responsible for another one of the brand’s most iconic offerings: the launch of its first silk scarf on the occasion of Hermès’s 100th anniversary in 1937. Based on a woodblock designed by Dumas and printed on Chinese silk, the accessory was an immediate hit.
Today, vintage Hermès scarves, typically adorned in rich colors and elaborate patterns, serve many functions, just as they did back then. Well-heeled women wear it on their heads, around their necks and, in a genius piece of cross-promotion, tied to the straps of their Hermès bags. Kelly even once used one as a sling for her broken arm.
In 1981, Robert Dumas’s son Jean-Louis Dumas, then Hermès chairman, found himself sitting next to French actress and musician Jane Birkin on a plane, where she was complaining about finding a suitable carryall for the necessary accoutrements of motherhood. After the two travelers were properly introduced, Birkin helped design Jean-Louis’s most famous contribution to the Hermès canon: the Birkin bag, a roomy, square catchall with the HAC’s trademark leather flap top and the addition of a lock and key.
Owing to the brand’s legendary commitment to deft, handcrafted construction, the Birkin is an investment that is coveted by collectors everywhere.
While the Kelly and Birkin may be standouts, gracing the arms of everyone from royal heiresses to hip-hop stars in the past few decades, the handbags are but a small part of Hermès’s fashion offerings.
Since the 1920s, the brand has produced some of the most desirable leather goods in the world. There’s the Constance bag, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy, the recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne and, on the vintage market, a slew of designs dating back to the 1920s.
Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Faenza, Italy
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Hermes NIB Kelly 25 Retour Vert De GrisBy HermèsLocated in West Hollywood, CANew in box Hermes rare Kelly 25 cm retourne. Vert de gris togo leather and palladium hardware. Date stamp Z for 2021. Detachable strap. Handle drop 3". C...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Hermes BNIB Kelly 28 Gris Mouette EpsomBy HermèsLocated in West Hollywood, CAHermes brand new Kelly 28 in Gris Mouette epsom leather with brushed palladium hardware and tonal stitching. It comes with a two strap with front toggle closure, clochette with lock ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Black White Silky Pop BagBy HermèsLocated in West Hollywood, CAHermès black leather and multi pattern silk foldable bag. Black, white and grey. Excellent condition. Bag closed, 5"W x 5"L x 1"D. Handle drop, 10"L. Comes ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Hermès BNIb Picotin 18 Feutre Gris GoldBy HermèsLocated in West Hollywood, CAHermès picotin lock bag 18 cm in grey feutre and gold swift leather with palladium lock and keys. Date stamp Z for 2021. Brand new in box. Come...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton 2021 On The Go Palma de Mallorca BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in West Hollywood, CALouis Vuitton 2021 limited edition Summer collection. Palma de Mallorca ultra limited VIP edition. Brand new in box with original dust cover. Large on the go in ombre pink monogram canvas. Sides are made of raffia, cowhide trims and straps, lemon charm...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Top Handle Bags
- Hermes BNIB Kelly 28 Etoupe Togo /GoldBy HermèsLocated in West Hollywood, CAHermes BNIB Kelly 28 retourne in etoupe togo leather, contrast white stitching , gold tone hardware. Date stamp Z for 2021. Detachable strap. Comes with clochette, tirette, lock, 2 k...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Fendi White 2jour bagBy FendiLocated in Queens Village, NYWhite Fendi 2jour bag with saffianno leather in the front with soft white leather on the sides. Great bag for the holiday season. Gold hardware. Slight stain on the inside of the poc...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Top Handle Bags
- Louis Vuitton Purple Exotic Crocodile Brea HandbagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Scottsdale, AZThis is the most iconic and beautiful piece to add to your collection! A bag made to make a statement! This bag is vintage, made in 2001, and is perfect for the Louis Vuitton collect...Category
Early 2000s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Judith Leiber Full Bead Minaudiere Chain Evening 1ma4 Silver X Gold CrystalsBy Judith LeiberLocated in Dix hills, NYLike New in Box 7.5"x2"x4" (SA 9.9/10) Includes Box, Dust Bag, Mirror and Box. Handled for photography, amazing shape. 19x10x4.5cm.Category
20th Century Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Birkin 25cm Etain Gold Hardware Grey BagBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYHermes Birkin 25cm Etain Tin Grey Gold Hardware Bag Brand New in Box. Store fresh. Pristine Condition (with plastic on hardware) Perfect gift!...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Kelly 25 Etain Sellier Shoulder Bag Tin Grey Z Stamp, 2021By HermèsLocated in New York, NYHermes Kelly 25 Etain Sellier Shoulder Bag Tin Grey Z Stamp, 2021 The ultimate modern chic 25cm Kelly in the best neutral ever! Brand New in Box. Store ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- CHRISTIAN DIOR Canvas Embroidered Medium Dioriviera Grey ToteBy Christian DiorLocated in Freehold, NJPre-Owned 100% Authentic CHRISTIAN DIOR Canvas Embroidered Medium Dioriviera Toile De Jouy Book Grey Tote RATING: B...Very Good, well maintained, shows ...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The Hermès Passe-Guide Bag Might Not Be as Well Known as the Birkin or Kelly, But It’s Every Bit as Chic
Find out why this under-the-radar piece is so exceptional.
How to Spot a Fake Hermès Birkin Bag
The iconic Birkin bag is much coveted — and often copied. Find out how to tell the real deal from a convincing fake. Of course, you don't have to worry about this on 1stDibs, where every seller is highly vetted.