"A symbol of exclusivity, the Kelly bag revels in its myriad reinventions"
Hermès
Hermès is rooted in the carriage trade, starting as saddle and harness makers. Over the years Hermès turned from saddle makers to creating beautifully crafted handbags that stand for luxury and elegance. You can find some of their timeless Classics, such as Birkin or Kelly, released as Limited Editions with equestrian designs, honoring the origins of Hermès.
Inspired by the world of equestrian sports, Hermès released a collection of Limited Edition Kelly bags with their Fall and Winter Collection 2017, derived from the three paces of a horse: the step, the trot and the gallop. They named the collection Kelly Au Cheval. “Cheval” means horse in French.
Hermès took each of these graceful trots and incorporated them in new Kelly bag designs, called Kelly Au Pas, Kelly Au Trot and Kelly Au Galop. To distinguish these three bags, you have to take a look at the handle, as they feature different patterns inspired by those three paces.
The pattern on the Kelly Au pas mimics "The Step", also known as the walking pace. The design on this bag is the most subtle. The handle consists of a single arching strip of Chèvre Mysore trimmed in a Box Calf leather base.
The Kelly Au Trot pattern mimics the cadence of "The Trot”. This Kelly bag is adorned with an ornate handle in a striped design that is also done in Chèvre Mysore for the base, trimmed with a winding Box calfskin strip, that seems to bounce across the handle in a staccato pattern.
The Kelly Au Galop, inspired by "The Gallop”, is the fastest gaits in horse sport. To recreate this, this Kelly bag features a handle in a fascinating zigzag pattern done in Chèvre Mysore leather and Box calfskin. It is said to be the most popular design one of the three.
These three Limited Editions of the Kelly bags show not only the beautiful craftsmanship, but also how Hermès always manages to redefine their timeless bags to give them an extra special something, turning their Limited and Special Editions in highly sought after collector's pieces.
