Hermès Kelly Sellier 32 Gris Etain Epsom Gold Hardware
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 8.67 in (22 cm)Width: 12.6 in (32 cm)Depth: 4.34 in (11 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:Epsom Leather
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Berlin, DE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3926221228642
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: Berlin, Germany
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Hermès Kelly Verso 35 Gris/Bleu Togo Palladium HardwareBy HermèsLocated in Berlin, DEHermès Kelly Verso 35 in gris/bleu and togo leather with palladium hardware. The bag has small marks on the front side as pictured and scratches on ...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Kelly 35 Gris Etain Togo Gold HardwareBy HermèsLocated in Berlin, DEHermès Kelly 35 in gris etain and togo leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn comes as full set including the original receipt. Stamp D (2019)Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Kelly Sellier 32 Noir/Black Niloticus Crocodile Gold HardwareBy HermèsLocated in Berlin, DEHermès Kelly Sellier 32 in noir and niloticus crocodile leather with gold hardware. The bag has been worn but still in very good condition: small scratches on the hardware, small spo...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Birkin HSS 35 Crocodile Porosus Lisse Honey Gold HardwareBy HermèsLocated in Berlin, DEHermès Birkin HSS 35 in honey and shiny crocodile porosus leather with gold hardware. The bag is in very good condition, has a small mark on one corner as pictured. Comes as full set...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Kelly Padded 25 Noir/Black Swift Gold HardwareBy HermèsLocated in Berlin, DEHermès Kelly Padded 25 in noir and swift leather with gold hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt. Sta...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Hermès Constance Mini 18 Bleu Paon Alligator Matte Palladium HardwareBy HermèsLocated in Berlin, DEHermès Constance Mini 18 in bleu paon and alligator matte leather with palladium hardware. The bag is unworn and comes as full set including the original receipt and Cites. Stamp Y ...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Chanel Vintage Denim Quilted Drawstring Hobo Shoulder Tote BagBy ChanelLocated in Miami, FLChanel Pre-Owned 2008-2009 diamond quilted drawstring tote Featuring silver-tone hardware, a diamond quilted finish, an internal logo patch, chain and fabric top handles and a strip...Category
Early 2000s Italian Tote Bags
- Hermes Birkin Togo 35 Taupe HandbagBy HermèsLocated in Boca Raton, FLCompany-HERMES Model-Birkin Togo 35 Color-Taupe Date Code-L Material-Leather Measurements-13.5" x 9.5" x 7" Strap-N/A Outside-Excellent Condition Inside-Go...Category
2010s French Top Handle Bags
- Hermes Birkin 30cm Gris Perle Togo Bag Gold Hardware Pearl GrayBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYChicjoy is pleased to present this Hermes Birkin 30cm Gris Perle Togo Bag Gold Hardware Brand New in Box in Store Fresh, Pristine Condition (with plastic on hardware) Perfect Gift! Coming with keys, lock, clochette, a sleeper for the bag, rain protector, and orange Hermes box. Gris Perle is the perfect and elegant neutral Birkin for year-round wear. Superbly chic light "Pearl Gray" is one of the most coveted neutrals in Hermes history. So stunning with luxurious gold hardware and light beige resin. In the ideal 30cm size that transitions perfectly from day into evening. In Togo, the most desired leather prized for its anti-scratch and stain properties. Gris Perle is pure understated sophistication! This stunning pale neutral is magnificent paired with neutrals, as well as with every pop color in your wardrobe. Don't miss this bag- it will turn heads everywhere you go! Gold Breloque Charm...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Versace Metallic Leather Pocket Shoulder BagBy VersaceLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This creation from Versace will be a fantastic upgrade for your everyday shoulder bag. Crafted in Italy, it is made from metallic leather and features a big pocket at the front with ...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Aigner Light Brown Leather Top Handle BagBy AignerLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2High on style, carry this handbag from Aigner without compromising on style. This alluring leather bag is elegantly designed with a front flap, a top handle and a back zippered pocke...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
- Alexander McQueen Metallic Gold Croc Embossed Patent Leather Elvie SatchelBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Featuring twin top handles and a croc-embossed exterior made of patent leather, this Alexander McQueen Elvie satchel exudes just the right amou...Category
2010s Italian Top Handle 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.