Kelly 25: The Iconic Bag Loved by a Princess

The bag we are introducing today

is one of Hermès’ most iconic designs: 

the Kelly 25 in Black Epsom with gold hardware.

It brings together Hermès craftsmanship and elegance,

and its rich history

has helped make it a much-loved bag.

The Hermès Kelly

was originally designed in the 1930s

under the name “Sac à dépêches.”

Robert Dumas

Designed by Robert Dumas,

this classic bag is defined by

a refined rectangular silhouette and clean lines.

TMI:

Hermès was founded by Thierry Hermès,

whose grandson was Émile Hermès.

Émile, who had four daughters, passed

the business to his sons-in-law. One of them,

Robert Dumas, succeeded him

as head of Hermès.

The bag became associated with the name “Kelly”

in 1956, when Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco,

was photographed carrying it.

At the time, she used the bag

to conceal her pregnancy, and the image

attracted worldwide attention after appearing on the cover of Life magazine.

The bag subsequently became known

as the “Kelly,” in her honor,

and established itself as a defining Hermès icon.

Epsom, used for this Kelly,

is one of Hermès’ most popular leathers, 

sourced from the renowned French tannery HAAS.

HAAS is celebrated for producing premium leather 

and is one of Hermès’ 

key leather suppliers.

Epsom has a pressed surface,

giving it a very uniform, clean texture.

Pressing means applying a regular pattern

to the leather’s surface. This process

creates an even finish, helps disguise

small scratches and increases durability.

It also helps Epsom retain its shape over time

and stand up well to everyday use.

That means the bag keeps its distinctive silhouette for longer 🙂

At Thierry Studio,

we directly source Epsom leather

from HAAS, one of the world’s finest tanneries.

The Kelly 25 in Black Epsom 

is a timeless, sophisticated choice, 

bringing out the simplicity

and refinement of the Hermès design.

The Kelly 25 in Black Epsom

works with a wide variety of outfits,

and its distinctive elegance

gives the person carrying it a special presence.

Add gold hardware 

to the Kelly 25 in Black Epsom,

and the bag takes on an even richer,

more striking character.

The warm glow of the hardware

complements the depth of the black leather,

adding a polished accent to the whole bag.

The Hermès Kelly comes with a shoulder strap, 

also finished with gold hardware,

so even the strap has a distinctly luxurious feel.

The Hermès Kelly

has become much more than a bag:

it is a symbol associated with influential women around the world.

Beyond Grace Kelly herself,

countless celebrities have made

the Hermès Kelly part of their wardrobes,

cementing its status as a symbol of wealth, influence and style.

To finish today’s post, here are a few photos

of the Kelly 25 in Black Epsom with gold hardware being worn.

Thank you!

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