Kelly 35 Hermès silver jewelry
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 25 in (63.5 cm)Depth: 12 in (30.48 cm)Length: 35 in (88.9 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Paris, FR
- 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: Paris, France
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- CHANEL 2.55 Smooth Copper Lambskin BagBy ChanelLocated in Paris, FRThe mythical 2.55 double flap bag from Maison Chanel is made of smooth quilted red lamb leather. The interior is lined in red leather. The jewelery is coppery aged. In very good cond...Category
2010s French Shoulder Bags
- LOUIS VUITTON Alligator Mat Red BagBy Louis VuittonLocated in Paris, FRLimited series from the Maison Louis Vuitton, this bag is exceptional for its perfect manufacturing worthy of the great leatherworkers. It is in mat red alligator. The attributes are...Category
2010s French Shoulder Bags
- HERMES Mini Constance in Orange Mysore Goat LeatherBy HermèsLocated in Paris, FRHERMES Mini Constance in Orange Mysore goat Leather. Silver plate Hardware. The H buckle is enamel. In very good exterior condition, pen mark under the ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Coral Tweed tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Paris, FRChanel coral tweed tote bag = Collector bag Condition: very good condition Country of manufacture: Italy Collection: shopping bags gender: female Materi...Category
2010s Italian Tote Bags
- CHANEL Vintage Coral Suede BagBy ChanelLocated in Paris, FRCHANEL vintage coral suede bag. It has two storage gussets with a fabric lining with a small zipped pocket. The corners are slightly blackened. Closure w...Category
Early 2000s Italian Shoulder Bags
- CHANEL Double Flap 2.55 Handbag in Coral Jersey FabricBy ChanelLocated in Paris, FRCHANEL handbag, 2.55 clasp, in coral jersey fabric. Crocodile effect embroidery. It has a double flap with a mirror included. The interior is lined in c...Category
Early 2000s French Structured Shoulder Bags
- Bottega Veneta Brand New China Intercciato Wallet on Chain Crossbody BagBy Bottega VenetaLocated in Pasadena, CABottega Veneta Brand New China Intercciato Wallet on Chain Crossbody Bag *Marked Bottega Veneta and B06425097E * Made in Italy * Comes with original box, dustbag, tag and booklet * ...Category
2010s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
- Chanel Vintage Red Leather Scallop Quilted Flap BagBy ChanelLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Chanel Red Leather Scallop Quilted Flap Bag is in very good vintage condition. Rare curved quilting and satin rope trim make this a uni...Category
20th Century European Structured Shoulder Bags
- Hermès Red Clemence Victoria II BagBy HermèsLocated in Palm Beach, FLThis authentic Hermès Red Clemence Victoria II Bag is in excellent plus condition. The relaxed silhouette is roomy and soft to the hand in textured lipsti...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Alexander McQueen Red Patent Leather SatchelBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Style your outfit with this masterfully crafted Alexander McQueen satchel. The red piece is crafted from patent leather and enhanced with gol...Category
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Marc Jacobs Coral Red Quilted Leather Rio SatchelBy Marc JacobsLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This Rio satchel by Marc Jacobs is just adorable and can be carried everywhere. Made from quilted leather, it features an adjustable shoulder strap, two handles, a padlock, and a top...Category
2010s Italian Shoulder Bags
- Michael Kors Red Leather Piper Flap Shoulder BagBy Michael KorsLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2The perfect design of this Michael Kors bag ensures a gorgeous finish and an uptown appeal. it has been crafted from red-hued leather and carries love...Category
2010s Unknown Shoulder 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.