In 2022, it was reported that the Hermès Mini Kelly bag had the highest resale value across the entire Hermès collection – and with Hermès such a sought after brand, that’s saying something.

But what is it about the Kelly collection in particular that elevates its value and status in the eyes of buyers, and how can you capitalise on this high demand for your own investment?

In this blog, we’re considering the history of the Hermès Kelly bag, what makes it such a popular model, and why these bags are so valuable.

The history of the Hermès Kelly bag

The Hermès Kelly bag did not always go by the name “Kelly”. In fact, it was originally called the Haut à Courroies (HAC) bag and was a functional bag used by those riding horses as a means of transporting their possessions while on horseback.

The bag first became popular on the buyer market when Grace Kelly used it to hide a pregnancy bump while out and about. The incredible rise in demand of the bag, after being seen in the hands of Grace Kelly, meant that the brand decided to rename the bag accordingly – launching the Hermès Kelly in 1977 as a nod to the actress / princess of Monaco.

Standout features of the Hermès Kelly bag

As you may have realised from the opening statement of this blog, the Hermès Kelly comes in a variety of sizes. While the Mini Kelly has the highest resale value of the entire brand collection, it’s easy to argue that this standout accessory – while impeccably stylish and coveted – is not exactly the most practical of handbags. Which is where the other sizes come in.

The Hermès Kelly comes in a range of sizes, from the Mini Kelly right up to the Kelly 50. The numbers which fall after each individual size translate to the length of the bags base in centimetres – for example, the Kelly 28 measures 28cm from one side to the other.

There are two main styles of Hermès Kelly: the Retourne and the Selier. With both the Kelly Retourne and the Kelly Selier boasting high returns when cared for properly, each using different fabrics and materials with varying hallmarks, buyers have a choice – considering the durability and practicality of their ideal bag, as well as its look.

The Mini Kelly is perhaps the most valuable in terms of its investment potential because of the ornate detail required in achieving the perfect aesthetic in such a small model – however, it’s not just size that matters when it comes to the Hermès Kelly.

Material is something which plays a major role in the value of all luxury handbags – in terms of both the fabric of the bag and the hardware. Kelly bags are notoriously made from some of the finest materials in the industry, with exotic skins used across some of the rarest and most expensive vintage models. The Hermès Himalaya is a bag which uses the skin of a Niloticus Crocodile, basing its design around the symmetrical pattern which runs down the back of the crocodile – and the centre of the bag. Similarly, the hardware finish can impact the value of the bag and its status on the market – with Hermès typically offering gold or palladium plating across the Kelly collection.

The final thing to note is that Hermès has also created a number of variations on its classic Kelly, for example releasing a line of clutch bags which are inspired by the iconic shape of the Kelly bag. All of these further enhance the market presence of the Kelly bag and its recognisable, iconic design.

Why Hermès is one of the best brands for tangible investments

With all that in mind, what is it about the Hermès brand that makes it such a good investment option?

In short, Hermès boasts many of the attributes of a classically successful luxury brand – combining history and prestige with the kinds of timeless designs which nod to both the traditions of the brand and the modern demand of the consumer market.

A low supply and incredibly high demand ensures that the price tag of a Hermès bag is always high, while the history linked specifically with the Kelly bag makes it even more of a status symbol – reflected in the price of both the earliest vintage Kelly bags and the modern iterations of the iconic design.

Other factors which elevate the status of the Hermès brand, and which ensure that every authentic Hermès handbag is a good investment include the impeccable quality and craftsmanship at play throughout the design of each bag, the value of the materials the hardware, and the simple fact that everyone knows and admires Hermès. Prestige equals high demand, and with high demand you will always see high prices on both the retail market and the second hand market.

How to invest in your own Hermès Kelly bag

The status of Hermès Kelly bags means that your chances of getting a brand new model from the retail market are slim to none – without at least spending years on waitlists or having connections in all the right places.

As such, if you want to buy your own Hermès Kelly bag you need to familiarise yourself with the secondary market and with reputable resellers, who stock bags that are sold to them by investment buyers. These resellers tend to offer authentication and valuation services in store, which means that you can not only browse an extensive collection but also benefit from the guarantee that the bag you buy is authentic and genuine.

Similarly, if you have a Hermès Kelly or other Hermès bag that you want to sell, a reseller can offer you a comprehensive valuation service so that you know what your bag is worth and can sell it for a fair price. Love Luxury has offices and storefronts in both London and Dubai, supporting investment and style-loving customers with all of their designer needs.