Hermès - Kelly 35 - Handbag

The Hermes Kelly 35 Crocodile Porosus Leather Bag is still in production. The Kelly Bag by Hermès is one of the most iconic items in global fashion, symbolizing elegance, craftsmanship, and status.
The bag we now know as 'Kelly' was created in 1935, designed by Robert Dumas, the son-in-law of Émile Hermès.
Initially, it was called 'Sac à Dépêches,' and was conceived as a compact, rigid travel bag suitable for holding documents and personal items.
In 1956, Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, already a global style icon, was photographed by LIFE magazine while using a Hermès bag to cover her belly during her first pregnancy.
The handbag that Grace Kelly used to cover her belly was made of black crocodile, a classic and extremely rare model, just like the one being auctioned.
The shot becomes famous and the bag transforms into a symbol.
Since then, the model has been renamed "Kelly" in its honor.

Technical Characteristics:
The Kelly bag is entirely handcrafted by Hermès artisans, with a process that can take up to 20 hours of work and uses the finest materials such as calfskin, crocodile, ostrich, lizard, and others.
Hardware in gold-plated or silver-plated metal, often also in solid gold in the most exclusive models.
Iconic closure with double buckle and lock, a distinctive feature.
Interior usually in tone-on-tone leather, with internal pockets.
The Porosus Crocodile represents the pinnacle of rarity and quality in the Hermès landscape. Its fine and regular grain, the unique sheen of the polished leather, and artisanal craftsmanship make it a highly sought-after material that is destined to retain its value over time.
The new Kelly bags in Porosus crocodile easily exceed 50,000 euros. They are exactly the same as those made since their inception; the Kelly is an evergreen bag, timeless, and will never age.
On the secondary market, vintage Kelly bags made from Porosus crocodile or particularly rare ones can reach prices that are even much higher.
The Kelly bags in Porosus crocodile, especially in classic sizes like 32/35, are among the most sought-after pieces by collectors and investors. Their availability is extremely limited, and market prices on the secondary market remain high and steadily increasing.
Waiting list: to get a new Kelly from Hermès, you often need to be a regular customer or wait months or years. According to some rumors, the wait for a Kelly in Porosus crocodile can exceed 2-3 years, even for Hermès' most loyal clients.
This is an extraordinary opportunity to acquire an absolute icon of fashion and luxury, combining beauty, craftsmanship, and collectible value.

Versions | Sellier (rigid), Retourne (soft)

The Sellier model is distinguished by its rigid structure, sharp lines, and formal silhouette, ideal for those seeking a sober and uncompromising elegance.

The lot in the auction is a bag.
Hermès Kelly 35 Sellier in Porosus Crocodile
A rare and prestigious example of the legendary Hermès Kelly 35, made from fine crocodile leather (Coccodrillo Porosus), universally recognized as the pinnacle of luxury leather goods, is offered at auction.
Model: Kelly Sellier 35
Material: Glossy Crocodile Porosus leather
Color: Black
Finishes: gold-plated hardware
Year of production: 60s/70s
Included accessories: lock, keys, dustbag, Hermès box, and a cardboard bag/tote with handles.
Conditions: Excellent with slight signs of use.

In the auction market, crocodile models with gold hardware or special details have reached figures close to 150,000 euros, a testament to their collectible value.

With these premises, the value of the Vintage model of the crocodile bag has increased year after year to the point of being considered an investment.
The 112 photos highlighting advantages, flaws, and the condition of wear are an integral part of the description.
There are two authenticity codes on crocodile bags, one for each strip that closes over the clasp. In the bag offered, the codes are the letter J and the letter P (Porosus Crocodile).
This bag was purchased directly from Catawiki a few years ago, and was later taken to the Hermes store in Milan for a complete makeover, which was then carried out directly at their maison in Paris, as shown on the receipt in the photo.
The certificate for crocodile export, the Hermes receipt, the dust bag, the box, and the orange cardboard envelope with handles are provided with the bag.

Tracked and insured shipment.

This lot benefits from a reduced buyer's protection fee of 4.5% (instead of 9%), which will be arranged for the winning bidder after the auction closes. A member of the sales team will contact you one working day after the auction has ended to assist you further with the discount.

This lot benefits from a reduced buyer's protection fee of 4.5% (instead of 9%), which will be arranged for the winning bidder after the auction closes. A member of the sales team will contact you one working day after the auction has ended to assist you further with the discount.