Whether you are lucky enough to own a Kelly bag from Hermès or are, like most of us, dreaming of getting our hands on this piece at one point in our life or another, most fashion followers are familiar with the classic structure of the coveted work. However, this past month at the Hermès Fall 2022 show, the Kelly got an updated look. The Kelly is veering away from its classic shape, featuring a shorter crossbody strap, asymmetrical buckles and a more petite evening wear silhouette with a thicker strap.
Initially introduced in the 1930s, Robert Dumes, the successor of Hermès from his father-in-law Émile Hermès was the creator of the iconic bag. It featured a trapezoidal shape with a flap over top, a handle and two side straps. The most notable aspect of this bag is the buckle closure at the front bearing the Hermès logo. It wasn’t until the 1950s that this piece received its name after Grace Kelly, Hollywood star and soon-to-be princess of Monaco, was photographed holding the bag over her stomach to conceal that she was pregnant. Because of the worldwide fame that this moment gathered, the bag was thus renamed the Kelly.
The Kelly has been updated for the upcoming Fall 2022 season with a futuristic take on the timeless design. Pictured above is the bag with an adjustable strap that can be worn at a shorter length than a classic crossbody yet can be adjusted to the preferred size. This Kelly looks familiar to most, its traditional structure unchanged except for the absence of the handle.
Above, we have another Kelly redesigned for the runway. This bag has an asymmetrical flap closure, and the buckle rests diagonally. I adore this modern twist on the classic design and believe this look will add modernity and edge to any look. The bag features a shoulder strap for easy everyday wear.
Shown here in a lighter brown shade with white stitching, the asymmetrical Kelly is perfect for daytime. This brown can easily be transitioned across all seasons, so it is worth the investment.
Shown here in a more petite silhouette, the structural edition of the Kelly is very different structural-wise. The bag has a cassette-like shape and a thicker shoulder strap, perfect for evening wear. However, it pays homage to the bags before it with the classic Hermès buckle closure.
Will this be the future of Hermès Kelly? I don’t think the classic bag will ever go away in terms of exclusivity and will not be replaced by a newer design within the next several decades. However, I love the futuristic image Hermès is showing with their updated Kelly silhouettes and believe it says a lot about the direction the house is heading.
I am looking forward to seeing celebrities and whoever is lucky enough to get their hands on this version of the Kelly bag!
