Hermès Kelly Bag in Vibrant Anemone Color - Iconic and Coveted Designer Handbag

The Iconic Hermès Kelly Bag in Vibrant Anemone

The Hermès Kelly bag is one of the most coveted and iconic designer handbags of all time. First created in the 1930s for Grace Kelly, the former Hollywood starlet and Princess of Monaco, the Kelly has become a true classic that transcends seasons and trends. One of the most desirable and sought-after versions of the Kelly is crafted out of the vibrant Anemone purple leather. This exotic and eye-catching hue adds a pop of color and luxury to any outfit. Let's take a closer look at what makes the Hermès Kelly Anemone so special in the world of designer handbags.

The History and Craftsmanship of the Kelly Bag

The origins of the Kelly bag can be traced back to the 1930s when Robert Dumas, a Hermès artisan, was inspired by a photo of Grace Kelly using a makeshift Hermès bag to shield her pregnant belly from the paparazzi. This impromptu moment sparked the idea for a bag with a trapezium closure and sturdy leather handles. After Grace Kelly used the bag regularly, it soon became known simply as the "Kelly."

True to Hermès' dedication to craftsmanship, each Kelly bag takes nearly 25 hours to assemble completely by hand. The construction involves precise stitching, finishing, and hardware installation done by skilled Hermès artisans. Exotic leathers like alligator, ostrich, and crocodile are common for Kelly bags, contributing to the steep price tag starting around $10,000 and reaching over $100,000.

The Vibrant Anemone Purple Leather

While many Kelly bags utilize neutral and staple colors like black, tan, red, and taupe, the Anemone purple version offers a bold, saturated pop of color. Described by Hermès as a “joyful purple,” Anemone leather has a rich berry tone that oozes luxury. It pairs beautifully with the polished palladium and white gold hardware.

Over the years, Hermès has crafted the Kelly bag in many shades of purple, including Parme, Iris, Violet, and Prune. However, Anemone stands apart with its deeply hued amethyst tone. It looks striking during both day and night and complements a range of outfits from casual daytime looks to dressy evening attire.

The Different Sizes and Styles of the Kelly

The Kelly is made in a range of sizes to suit different needs. The traditional Kelly has a structured, rectangular shape and comes in four sizes - Kelly 25, Kelly 28, Kelly 32, and Kelly 35 (named after their respective lengths in centimeters). The Kelly 25 is petite and versatile for everyday use while the Kelly 35 is roomy enough for travel. The Kelly 28 and 32 hit the sweet spot between the two.

For a more relaxed look, Hermès also makes the Kelly in a softer, slouchier bucket bag style called the Kelly Pochette. Carried on the arm or shoulder, it comes in two sizes - Kelly Pochette 22 and Kelly Pochette 26. Hermès has also introduced a backpack version of the Kelly along with small leather goods like wallets, clutches and phone cases sporting the iconic Kelly lock closure.

Why the Kelly Bag is an Investment Piece

Though expensive, Hermès Kelly bags represent solid investments due to their timeless elegance, superior craftsmanship, and enduring value. Made from the finest leathers, they are built to last for decades to come. Well-kept vintage Kelly bags often sell for more than their original retail prices on the luxury resale market.

Additionally, Hermès frequently adjusts the pricing on its bags so newer versions cost considerably more than preceding seasons. This makes the investment early on worthwhile as the value steadily appreciates. Thanks to limited quantities and high demand, acquiring a brand new Kelly at the boutique is difficult with wait lists ranging from 1-2 years.

For many serious fashion and handbag collectors, the Kelly bag is the ultimate Holy Grail. Whether in a classic neutral color or a seasonal pop shade like Anemone, it's a treasure to cherish and style for life.

The Allure of the Hermès Kelly Bag

As one of the most iconic designer handbags in fashion history, the Hermès Kelly bag sparks endless fascination and desire. Much of its prestige comes from the air of exclusivity and luxury surrounding the meticulously crafted leather bags. The Kelly has maintained remarkable popularity over the decades thanks to its timeless, elegant aesthetic and investment-worthy value.

Introduced in the 1930s and named for Grace Kelly in the 1950s, the bag embodies a sense of craftsmanship, sophistication and privilege. Long wait lists, limited quantities and considerable price tags only heighten its coveted status as a Holy Grail fashion investment. While the signature Kelly is made in neutral leathers, special versions in vibrant exotic leathers like Anemone add an extra dash of modernity and color.

Each Kelly bag represents hundreds of hours of expert Hermès craftsmanship in Paris ateliers - a level of quality, care and construction that cannot be matched. Carrying a Kelly conveys an elite level of taste and style distingué. Whether on the arm of Grace Kelly herself or a serious fashionista today, the Hermès Kelly remains the peak of designer sophistication through the decades.

FAQs

Who was the Kelly bag originally made for?

The Kelly bag was originally designed in the 1930s for Grace Kelly, the American actress who became Princess of Monaco. After she was famously photographed using a makeshift Hermès bag to cover her pregnant belly, the company created what would become known as the Kelly bag for her.

What makes the Kelly bag so expensive?

Several factors contribute to the high price of Kelly bags. They are meticulously crafted by hand in Paris ateliers using premium leather materials like alligator and crocodile skins. The level of skilled craftsmanship makes each bag take nearly 25 hours to assemble. Hermès also purposely produces limited quantities which heightens demand.

How can I buy a brand new Kelly bag?

Purchasing a Kelly bag directly from any Hermès boutique has very long wait lists typically 1-2 years due to limited stock and extremely high demand. Your best bet is to establish a purchase history and get on the waitlist with a sales associate as soon as possible.

What colors does the Kelly come in?

Hermès produces the Kelly bag in a wide range of classic and seasonal colors. Popular neutrals include black, brown, tan, red, grey, and taupe. Limited edition shades feature bright, saturated hues like orange, blue, green, purple, pink and yellow.

How much does a vintage Kelly bag cost?

Prices vary greatly based on leather, hardware, size, condition and desirability of the color. Typical pricing ranges from $5,000 for a basic vintage Kelly in good condition to over $50,000 for pristine exotic leather versions in sought-after colors.