June 11, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Jennifer
Special Edition Hermes Kelly Bag: Proceeds to fight Aids in Monaco
Brief History: It all began in the 1880′s, when the legendary house began as making saddles under the name of Hermes-Freres. Then by the 1920′s Hermes introduced their first line of ladies handbags.
In 1956 while pregnant with Princess Caroline, Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco was photographed in New York City by Life Magazine carrying the large black crocodile Kelly bag, which was used to cover her pregnant tummy. After this image appeared on the cover of Life Mag, the bag became a hit and was later renamed the Kelly bag.
Hermes created a limited edition Kelly bag for Artcurial’s annual Hermes vintage sale, featuring a portrait of Grace Kelly printed on canvas.
Guess how much the bag sold for… $80,906, with all proceeds from the sale of the bag going to Princess Grace’s daughter Princess Stephanie’s charity Fight Aids Monaco.
[ The Bag Forum: Hermes Kelly Bag: Proceeds to fight Aids in Monaco ]
Date Added: December 17, 2006
Audrey Hepburn with her Vintage Louis Vuitton Speedy 25
The Louis Vuitton Speedy is classic, I mean really what celebrity or any purse enthusiast doesn’t have the Louis Vuitton Speedy. Lookie above even Audrey Hepburn was photographed with this classic piece.
If you want to get your hands on a vintage Louis Vuitton handbag, like Audrey’s, then take notes. Listed below are a few tips on checking for authenticity when in the market for a vintage LV.
This is a repeat, but very valuable tips on how to spot a Fake Vintage Louis Vuitton Handbag:
1976 through 1991 Louis Vuitton gave special permission to “The French Company” to manufactured bags under a special license for them to produce accessories ornamented with the iconic “LV” symbol. They (TFC) are still producing handbags today that resemble the shape of some of the Louis Vuitton handbags, such as the speedy and some luggage bags, however they don’t use the “LV” symbol anymore and their bags aren’t even close to the exclusive price range of Louis Vuitton.
If you are shopping for a Vintage Louis Vuitton handbag, here are some tips. Remember that just because it says its vintage doesn’t mean that it is. Counterfeiters have been replicating Louis Vuitton items since the labels first trunk was produced back in the late 1800′s.
- No Date Code? Date Code is important for the new Louis Vuitton handbags but not so much for the older pieces. The vintage as well as the “French Company” prior to the early 1980′s will not have date codes.
- Darker treated Leather. The leather used on the vintage Louis Vuitton handbags was a darker treated carmel color leather, not the untreated vachetta leather with a patina that we know today.
- The strip across the bottom. The current Louis Vuitton Speedy handbags being produced have the “LV’s” upside down on one side. The French Company Speedy actually has a seam on the bottom, covered with a leather strip. The LVs on each side are “”rightside up.”
- If vintage and produced by the French Company, then it will be labeled so. The French Company handbags and luggage will have labeling that says that notifies the buyer that the item was made under a special license and that it was made in the USA. Most often, the tag is an almost paper-like tyvek tag sewn into a side seam of the bag.
- Zipper Pulls. The vintage Louis Vuitton handbags used Talon and Eclair zipper pulls.
- Vintage “French Company” pieces do not have a removable lock. The “French Company” used press-lock closures.
- Hardware. French Company Louis Vuitton hardware is quite different from the hardware used today. Today the hardware used on the Louis Vuitton handbags are mostly made of goldtone brass however, vintage pieces commonly used plated nickel. Also the Louis Vuitton name (as well as “LV” symbol) was not embossed on the zippers.
Date Added: December 17, 2006
Grace Kelly and her Hermes Kelly Crocodile Bag
The legendary French luxury goods house began as a saddle maker in Paris in 1880 under the name of Hermes-Freres. By the 1920′s Hermes introduced their first line of ladies handbags.
In 1956 while pregnant with Princess Caroline, Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco was photographed in New York City by Life Magazine carrying the large black crocodile Kelly bag, which was used to cover her pregnant tummy. After this image appeared on the cover of Life Magazine, the bag became a hit and was later renamed the Kelly bag.
eBay Alert: For the timeless Crocodile Hermes Kelly Bag!
* Hermes Kelly Bag – Vintage Bag! Acquired in Paris in the early 1970′s. Crocodile skin in the color dark brown. 1 day left with a beginning bid of $7,000.
* Hermes Kelly 32cm Bag – “G” stamped, pre-owned but in excellent condition. Crocodile skin in the color black with palladium hardware. 3 days left with a starting bid of $14,999.
* Hermes Kelly 32cm Bag – Crocodile skin in the color Poudre (taupe) with gold hardware. 4 days left with a starting bid of $7,900.
* Hermes Kelly 32cm Bag – Crocodile skin in the color dark chocolate brown with gold hardware. 4 days left with a starting bid of $6,900.
* Hermes Kelly 32cm Bag – (pictured above) “I” stamped, brand new and never used. Crocodile skin in the color Royal Blue with palladium hardware. 4 days left with a starting bid of $19,999.
* Hermes Kelly 32cm Bag – “J” stamped, brand new and never used condition. Crocodile skin in the color fuchsia (hot pink) with palladium hardware. 4 days left with a starting bid of $25,999.
* Hermes Kelly 32cm Bag – Rare Vintage Bag! Acquired in sometime around the 50′s / 60′s. Crocodile skin in the color kelly green with gold hardware. 7 days left with a starting bid of $28,398.
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