Deconstructed: The Hermès Ghillies Kelly

The Hermès iconic Kelly handbag has remained largely unchanged since its initial creation, decades ago. Every once in a while, however, a limited-edition style emerges that puts a unique twist on an exemplary handbag.

An Unexpectedly Rugged Inspiration

In 2011, Hermès Artistic Director of Jewelry Pierre Hardy released an haute bijouterie jewelry collection inspired by equestrian symbols. In conjunction with this release, Hardy collaborated on a handbag creation of his own design, the Ghillies Kelly. With delicate tooling — perforations known as “broguing,” and decorative serration along the trim of the bag —Hardy transformed the traditionally sleek lines of the Kelly into romantic, sinuous curves. These decorative flourishes recall the “brogue” — an outdoor shoe or boot that originated in Ireland. Hermès called Hardy’s new creation the “Ghillies Kelly”: a reference to a traditional style of brogue from Scotland called the “ghillie brogue,” whose tooled perforations facilitate drying after the shoe has been worn outdoors, sloshing through the muddy bogs.

True to its Aesthetic Heritage

Such rugged-seeming modifications may at first blush seem iconoclastic with regard to the storied Kelly. But as much or more than any other luxury brand, Hermès rigorously guards the authenticity of its vision and personality. Hermès is a fashion house with a rich equestrian history, and the outdoorsy, romantic Ghillies Kelly perfectly complements and reinforces that equestrian heritage — which is so endemic to the brand that its logo includes a horse and carriage. As such, the Ghillies Kelly truly typifies the brand’s traditions and aesthetic heritage.

Find the Hermès Ghillies Kelly and new arrivals of other covetable and collectible handbags in Christie’s Handbag Shop.