Have you come across that whimsical bag adorned with a charming face? Indeed, that's a prized Hermès creation, fetching a sum that's nothing short of astronomical. Exceptionally rare and exclusive, it stands as a cornerstone in any considerable Hermès bag collection. In this blog post, we've compiled everything you need to know about the Hermès Kelly Doll bag, including sizes and prices.
The History of the Kelly Doll Bag
The Kelly Doll bag first made its appearance in the Hermes collection around 2000, under the creative helm of Jean-Louis Dumas, the executive chairman of Hermès at that time.
Inspired by the classic Hermes Kelly bag, which itself was named after Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, the Kelly Doll bag, or "quelleidole" as it is fondly known, was designed by the whimsical genius of Jean-Louis Dumas himself. In case this name doesn't ring a bell, it's the same guy who created the Hermes Birkin bag after an accidental meeting with Jane Birkin on a plane.
By designing something funny like Kelly Doll bag, the creative boss of Hermes at the time wanted to shake things up and give the world a bag that was not just luxurious but also had a sense of humor.
The Kelly Doll bag was produced from 2000 to 2005. It was released in 8 colors:
- Black
- Blue Saphir
- Noisette
- Orange H
- Rouge Vif
- Rouge H
- Vert Cru
- Vert Olive
In 2005, the production of the Hermès Kelly Doll was halted, only to be revived in 2008 with the creation of limited edition bags. This resurgence was primarily to celebrate the opening of new Hermès boutiques across the globe.
Hermes added some new colors, such as Blue Jean and Vermillion. A significant highlight was the release of a 5P pink Kelly Doll in 2010, specially designed for the grand opening of the Sogo boutique in Hong Kong. However, post-2010, the Hermès Kelly Doll once more entered retirement, a move that sparked a heightened interest among collectors, leading to an increased demand in the secondary market.
In 2015, Hermès unveiled a collection of five distinct Kelly Dolls Quelle Idole bags during the Leather Forever exhibition in Singapore, each crafted to symbolize a decade of the country's independence. These masterpieces, adorned with intricate embroidery, beading, and use of exotic skins, were the culmination of months of meticulous craftsmanship.
Kelly Dolls Quelle Idole bags during the Leather Forever exhibition in Singapore
From 2017 onwards, the Hermes Kelly Doll underwent a shift in distribution strategy. Hermès began offering the Kelly Doll directly to its most esteemed clientele, including options for special orders in a spectrum of colors and exotic leathers, elevating the exclusivity and personalized luxury experience.
The Kelly Doll bag
picture courtesy of @saclab
The Kelly Doll Bag packs all its charm into a pint-sized package, measuring just 6″ W x 5.5″ H x 2.5″ D.
Unlike the traditional Kelly bag's structured formality, the Kelly Doll boasts an anthropomorphic design. The nose doubles as the turn lock closure, and yes, those arms are adjustable – go ahead, give your doll bag its own little pose!
picture courtesy of @sothebys
With arms as straps, playful eyes, a smiling mouth, and even a "nose" created out of its clasp, the bag invites not just admiration but a joyful interaction. Crafted not only from standard Hermes leathers like Swift, but also from luxurious crocodile leather, and adorned with hardware that brings its facial features to life, each Kelly Doll bag is unique. Its playful spirit is captured in the smiley face design, complete with leather arms and legs.
The Kelly Doll Picto
A Kelly Doll bag (on the left) and a Kelly Doll Picto bag (on the right), @ginza
New times necessitate fresh perspectives on classic designs. As the design reached the 'vintage mark' of 20 years, Hermès decided it was time to refresh the appearance of the Kelly Doll bag.
In the Spring/Summer 2022 collection, a new reimagined version of the Kelly Doll was unveiled, named the Kelly Doll Picto.
Hermès transformed the classic by updating the leather, introducing a shoulder strap, and reinterpreting the style with pixel art inspiration. Available in Epsom leather, the new Hermès Kelly Doll Picto is presented in three hues: Mauve Sylvestre, Nata, and Bleu Saphir. It is priced at approximately $15,600.
The Kelly Doll Charm
In 2020, Hermès introduced the Kelly Bag Charm, a new offering for its VIP clientele, which quickly became all the rage. Following this success, the luxury fashion house unveiled the Kelly Doll Bag Charm for us mortals in 2021.
The Hermès Kelly Doll charm is a remarkably crafted miniature version of the full-size Kelly Doll Bag, measuring just 6.5 centimeters at the base.
It's hard to believe, but this charm is worth several thousand dollars. You can find it on resale for $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the color and materials.
Is Hermes Kelly Doll Worth Anything?
From 2000 to 2005 this bag retailed for around $2,500, just as the Kelly bag itself. This style was then discontinued due to low demand, yet somehow after 20 years, Hermes collectors appreciated the playful quirky style.
As this purse is associated with the endearing nostallgy and 2000s playfulness, the demand started to grow in 2010s. It soon was evident that handbag lovers are willing to pay much more than its original retail price of $2,500. Bidding wars heated up, pulling in tens of thousands of dollars at auctions, and by the end of 2015, we saw those expected price tags hitting the $20,000 mark.
With the prices reaching $100,000, Kelly Doll had an unprecedented increase in value.
The original Hermès Kelly Doll in slightly used condition typically sells for around $30,000, whereas the alligator version of the original Kelly Doll can fetch close to $100,000. For a bag produced 20 years ago, this is an unprecedented increase in value. For comparison, standard Kelly Bags from the same period are valued at $10,000-$15,000, while the more exclusive Birkin Bags are worth around $20,000. Clearly the Kelly Dolls have endeared themselves among collectors, and it is likely that they will retain their value and appeal.
On average, a vintage Kelly Doll bag is worth around $50,000-$70,000, and a recently introduced Kelly Picto bag goes for $70,000-$80.000 on highly renowned auction sites.
| Year | Retail price | Auction prices (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Kellydole bag | $50,000-$70,000 | |
| Kellydole Picto bag | $15,600 | $70,000-$80.000 |
| Kelly Doll Croco bag | $75,000-$100,000 | |
| Kelly doll charm | $6,000-$10,000 |
Note: These figures vary based on rarity, condition, and specific auction events.
Kelly Doll and Hermes Bag Collectors
The Kelly Doll is a staple in any extensive Hermès collection worldwide. For instance, Jamie Chua, a Singaporean socialite and a renowned Hermès collector rumored to have the largest collection globally, owns at least two Kelly Doll bags and three Kelly Doll charms.
Another avid Hermes collector, M.L. Ploynapat "Kwan" Leenutaphong, is a prominent businesswoman known for her involvement in the supplement industry with the brand Sharich Health. She's recognized for her charisma and compassionate approach to business, and she also plays an influential role in Thailand's luxury automobile sector.
She gathered a collection of Hermes Doll bags, which due to the purse's rarity, might be the biggest Kelly Doll collection!
In Summary
The Hermes Kelly Doll bag is more than just an accessory; it's a statement of whimsy, luxury, and exclusivity. That's the only one explanation of why people spend $50,000-$100,000 on a bag with a smiley bag. Would you love to have this bag in your collection? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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