Lempertz to sell three Kelly Bags by Hermès
Design icons will be offered in the Jewelry & Watches auction on May 19, 2026
The Hermès Kelly Bag is one of the most recognisable design icons of the 20th century. Originally introduced in 1935 as the ‘Petit Sac haut à Courroies’, the model gained international attention in the mid-1950s thanks to Grace Kelly, who carried it both in Hitchcock's film ‘To Catch a Thief’ and at public appearances. A photo from 1956, in which she holds the bag in front of her to conceal her pregnancy, was seen around the world and permanently anchored the Kelly Bag in the cultural consciousness of fashion lovers. Hermès later officially renamed the model after her.
Kelly 32 Retourné, dark blue, 1945, Estimate: 8,000 - 10,000 € | Kelly 32 Retourné Veau Box, 1970, Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000 € | Kelly 28 Sellier Micro Lezard Niloticus, 1962, Estimate: 10,000 - 12,000 €
To this day, every Kelly bag is traditionally crafted in France by a single artisan. The elaborate workmanship, select materials and timeless shape have made this model one of the most sought-after classics in fashion, transcending short-lived trends.
On 19th May 2026, three Kelly bags will come up for auction at Lempertz in Cologne as part of the Spring Jewellery & Watches auction, two of which come from a private collection in West Germany. A Kelly 28 Sellier Micro Lezard Niloticus in black lizard leather from 1962 is valued at €10,000 to €12,000. A Kelly 32 Retourné Veau Box model made of burgundy calfskin from 1970 follows with an estimate of €4,000 to €6,000. The oldest piece, estimated at €8,000 to €10,000, is also a 32 Retourné in dark blue from 1945.
Contact
Jan Bykowski
Press and PR
bykowski@lempertz.com
Tel. 0049 (0)221 925729 -57