shirt borrowed from hubby, similar here, here and here || Blank NYC skinny jeans || Vintage Hermès ‘Kelly’ (use coupon code ‘THANKYOU15’ for 15% off your order) || Vintage Hermès scarf || L.K. Bennett patent pumps, similar here under $50 || sunglasses via Amazon || Daniel Wellington watch
photos by Ashley of Sed Bona
When Veronica, from Vintage Meet Modern asked if I’d be interested in styling a Hermès Kelly bag from her shop I had to ask her to repeat herself! I never in a million years thought I even be in the same room with a bag as iconic as the Kelly! And when in its presence, I was blown away. The bag was in pristine condition, having been impeccably cared for and rarely worn.
The Hermès Kelly bag is truly in a class of its own. Named for the iconic Grace Kelly, the Kelly, introduced around 1892, was originally known as the Sac à dépêches. Grace Kelly was introduced to the bag in 1954 on the set of Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief and instantly fell in love. Within months of her marriage to Prince Rainier III, the Princess of Monacco was seen using the bag to hide her growing belly from the paparazzi. The photograph was then featured in Life Magazine. Grace Kelly was a fashion icon and the bag quickly became the most coveted of accessories.
And in 1977, everything came full circle when Hermès officially renamed the design the “Kelly”.
The French fashion empire Hermes could teach every fashion brand what it takes to endure and rise above. Deemed to be one of the world’s most valuable luxury brands for more than 150 years, Hermes has proven to transcend the luxury brand industry, while setting new trends and immortalizing their iconic products. Hermes has become more than just a French high fashion house or a fashion brand, but owning an Hermes product has become a kind of currency. It has continued to emphasize the value of hand craftsmanship and has continued to pay tribute to its rich history.
And the Hermès Kelly bag is just that. Its classic elegance make it just as perfect for a day at the office or a date night. And the quality is bar none. The bags are repairable for life, and because of their quality, could likely be passed down as an heirloom. In fact, Hermès most famous two bags, the Birkin and the Kelly, are not even listed on the fashion house’s website.
I spent days agonizing over how to style this bag. I swear I emptied my closet trying on outfits and then did it again. I even debated buying a pricey new dress, just to do the Kelly justice. But in the end, I realized that this is a bag that can be worn with anything so why not stay true to my own style. And while a bag such as the Hermès Kelly bag won’t be in my budget anytime soon, or likely ever, styling this aspirational and iconic piece was an incredible treat and a reminder that sometimes the finer things in life are most certainly worth the splurge!
