Don't Miss Two of the Rarest Limited Edition Hermès Kelly Bags: Kellywood and Kelly So Black Feather
Discover more about two rare limited edition Hermès Kelly Bags sold at auction in 2023.
T he market for luxury designer bags and small leather goods has grown dramatically, and is expected to grow to US$100 billion by 2027 from US$72 billion today. Within the secondary market, the demand for collectible Hermès bags is soaring and expected to continue due to strong demand exceeding supply. Among the most popular includes Hermès Birkin and Hermès Kelly bags. Even more coveted are Hermès’ Limited Edition releases, many produced for one season only, or others that run for years, getting redesigned into fresh versions.
The ultimate Hermès bag for many handbag collectors is the Kelly bag. The Hermès Kelly has roots reaching back to 1892, when the iconic closure was first used in a design meant for carrying a saddle and riding boots. In the 1930s, the bag was redesigned by Robert Dumas, the son-in-law of Émile-Maurice Hermès, into its iconic trapezium shape. This was a nod towards the increasing popularity of the automobile, and was meant to fit in a side door pocket. The bag however, did not gain popularity until 1956 when Grace Kelly used the Hermès bag to shield her baby-bump from paparazzi. Subsequently, in 1977, the Hermès bag was officially named the Kelly bag after the actress and Princess of Monaco.
Key Takeaways: The Rarest Limited Edition Hermès Kelly Bags
| Limited Edition Kelly | Notable Features |
| Hermès Kellywood (Kelly 22) | Introduced in 2020; solid wood body with marquetry inlay; extremely limited production |
| Kellywood Perspective Cavalier | Bauhaus-inspired front panel by Anamorphée; six leather types across eleven colors |
| Kelly So Black Feather | Designed under Jean-Paul Gaultier; feather panel crafted by Maison Lemarié |
| So Black Collection | Monochromatic black hardware and leather; produced in limited quantities and discontinued |
| Collector Demand | Runway-era and artisanal editions command strong premiums in the secondary market |
Hermès Kellywood Perspective Cavaliere Kelly 22
First introduced in 2020, the Kellywood redefined the iconic Hermès Kelly bag with the addition of a new size: 22. Initially crafted in Bog Oak using the innovative Larmé inlay technique, the latest iteration showcases a solid beechwood body paired with a front panel featuring the Bauhaus-inspired Perspective Cavalière pattern, designed by the art collective Anamorphée. This exceptional design requires the intricate joining of six different leather types across eleven colors, totaling 60 individual pieces—an extraordinary demonstration of Hermès’ marquetry expertise. The front flap is finished in Fauve Barenia leather with precise white contrast stitching, adding warmth and balance to the graphic composition. Produced in extremely limited quantities, the Kellywood Perspective Cavaliere is among the rarest and most sought-after collectible Hermès bags, and the example shown here is currently available through Replica Shoes ’s.
Hermès Kelly 32 Feather So Black
Among the most coveted Hermès collections on the market are those created by fashion world legend Jean-Paul Gaultier. During his tenure as the Creative Director of Hermès from 2004 to 2010, the revolutionary French designer created iconic spin-offs of the house’s signature designs. Produced in limited quantities and sometimes exclusively for runway shows, these bags are no longer in production and remain highly coveted by collectors. Debuted in his final year at Hermès, the So Black collection is among the most highly sought-after in the secondary market. While prices and demand skyrocketed in 2019 before stabilizing, So Black bags that appear on the market continue to fetch record prices, in particular for exotic designs owing to their scarcity.
The rarest So Black bags feature panels of feathers. Constructed in collaboration with Maison Lemarié, the haute couture feather métier founded in 1880, the Hermès So Black Feather Kelly is a true masterpiece demonstrating the exquisite craftsmanship of two historic French luxury ateliers. Together, Hermès and Maison Lemarié selected the finest natural feathers, attaching them meticulously to the Kelly bag one at a time to create a luxurious and majestic front panel; an unparalleled touch of extravagance to heighten the classic Hermès Kelly Bag.
Frequently Asked Questions About Limited Edition Hermès Kelly Bags
Why are limited edition Hermès Kelly bags so collectible?
Limited edition Kelly bags are produced in extremely small quantities and often feature experimental materials, artisan techniques, or runway-only designs. Once discontinued, these pieces become exceptionally difficult to source, driving long-term collector demand.
What makes the Hermès Kellywood so rare?
The Kellywood is rare due to its unconventional construction, incorporating solid wood and complex leather marquetry. Each bag requires extensive handcraftsmanship and is produced in very limited numbers, making it one of the most unusual Kelly interpretations ever created.
Why is the Kelly So Black Feather considered a masterpiece?
The Kelly So Black Feather stands out for its collaboration with Maison Lemarié, a historic haute couture feather atelier. Each feather is applied by hand, transforming the Kelly into a sculptural object that blends fashion, craftsmanship, and haute couture technique.
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