The prototype of the Kelly bag, introduced around 1892, was a large bag used for holding a saddle, and was known as Haut à courroies because of its high handle. In 1923, Émile-Maurice Hermès and Ettore Bugatti designed a thoroughly simple and plain bag for Hermès’s wife Julie. It was meant to fit into a car door and to allow riders to carry their saddle. In the 1930s, Hermès’s son-in-law Robert Dumas redesigned it as a spacious travel bag called Sac à dépêches. It was a sharp contrast to the dominant purses of the time, which were simple, small and flat, resembling envelopes. The handbag gradually went on to become stiff and boxy. This 35cm Kelly in black togo leather with gold hardware is a fine example that has been maintained in excellent condition, with plastic still and interior in pristine condition.
Hardware: Gold
Material: Togo
Color: Black
Condition: Pristine
Collection: 2018, C
35cm: 35 x 24 x 12 cm – 14″x 9.5″ x 4.7″
