Description
Model History:
The Kelly bag originated in the 1930s as a “dispatch bag”, originally designed to carry documents. It became world-famous under the name “Kelly” after being worn by Grace Kelly, then Princess of Monaco, who used it publicly to conceal her pregnancy. The photo became iconic, and Hermès officially renamed the bag in her honor. The Kelly is available in two finishes: Sellier, with its rigid construction and exposed seams, and Retourné, like the model presented here, whose seams are turned inwards, offering a softer line and a slightly supple fall. The Box leather used on this bag, produced in 1992, is one of the oldest Hermès leathers: a smooth, shiny-tanned calf, renowned for its noble patina and its ability to reveal the saddler’s expertise in every seam.
Exterior Details:
This Kelly 32 is crafted in navy-blue Box leather, whose glossy finish reflects the light with intensity. The smooth, taut grain of the leather makes for a clear reading of the shape, while emphasizing the turned-up style, identifiable by its slightly rounded corners and concealed seams. The bag’s trapezoidal structure is retained, but the overall volume appears softer and more supple than in the Sellier version. It is equipped with a sheathed handle and a matching leather shoulder strap, allowing it to be carried twice. The bag closes with a 24-carat gold-plated turnstile clasp, accompanied by two side straps, a padlock, its key and the original bell. The bag rests on four gilded metal feet, ensuring its stability and the preservation of the leather.
Interior Details:
The interior of the bag is lined in navy blue leather, perfectly matching the exterior. It features a spacious main compartment, complemented by a zipped pocket on one side and two patch pockets on the other. These elements provide practical organization without compromising elegance. The “Hermès Paris Made in France” stamp is hot-stamped under the flap, and the artisanal hallmark, accompanied by the circled letter V, is visible on the inside of the clasp arm. The whole reveals a design that is both utilitarian and refined, true to the Hermès spirit.
Product Condition:
This bag is in very good condition for a piece dating from 1992. The Box leather, naturally sensitive to micro-scratches, shows no patina or traces of use. The structure of the bag is preserved, the corners are clean, and the invisible seams of the returned model are intact. The gold hardware retains its shine, with very fine handling marks on the clasp. The handle is solid, the shoulder strap supple, and the inside of the bag is clean, with no stains or rubbing.
Care instructions:
Box leather requires special care: handle the bag with clean hands and avoid contact with abrasive objects, liquids or dyes. Store the bag in a Hermès bag in a dry place, away from heat sources. To maintain the shine of the finish, a soft cloth can be used for regular polishing. In the event of scratches or advanced maintenance, we recommend that you take the bag to an approved Hermès craftsman, in particular to preserve the shine of the leather and the integrity of the reversed cut.
Why to choose this product :
This Kelly Hermès 32 in navy blue Box leather, in its reversed version, embodies the perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and versatility. Its deep, sober color, its discreetly more casual finish than the Sellier version, and its manufacture dating back to 1992 make it a rare and consistent piece for any luxury leather goods collection. This model, both formal and fluid in its allure, represents the culmination of rigorous handwork and Hermès’ timeless vision of style. A wise choice for those seeking the authenticity of a historic Kelly, combined with a naturally contemporary elegance.
