Hermès So Kelly 22 Clemence Leather in Purple (Anemone or Iris)
Bucket Bag / Shoulder Bag with a tall, slender bucket silhouette inspired by the classic Kelly line. · Hermès (Hermès International S.A.), Haute Luxury Tier, renowned worldwide for peerless leather craftsmanship, exclusivity, and heritage dating back to 1837.
Collection: Hermès Kelly Line / So Kelly Series, introduced in the late 2000s (around 2007/2008) as a more relaxed, contemporary interpretation of the classic Kelly structure.
Style
Bucket Bag / Shoulder Bag with a tall, slender bucket silhouette inspired by the classic Kelly line.
Brand
Hermès (Hermès International S.A.), Haute Luxury Tier, renowned worldwide for peerless leather craftsmanship, exclusivity, and heritage dating back to 1837.
Material
Taurillon Clemence leather (known for a flat, matte appearance, soft hand, and irregular grain), saddle-stitched by hand with matching wax thread, featuring hand-painted and burnished edges.
Dimensions
Width: 22 cm (8.6 in), Height: 31 cm (12.2 in), Depth: 15 cm (5.9 in), Adjustable Strap Drop: max approx. 24 cm (9.4 in). Recognized as the So Kelly 22 size variant.
Description
An exquisite Hermès So Kelly 22 rendered in a striking, vibrant purple Clemence leather with gleaming palladium hardware. This sophisticated design combines the relaxed utility of a bucket bag with the unmistakable elegance of the iconic Kelly hardware and straps. Its tall, structured base tapers gently upward, offering effortless shoulder wear and an opulent pop of saturated color.
Key Features
Signature Kelly turn-lock strap closure system, tall bucket silhouette, adjustable shoulder strap, premium Clemence leather grain, and palladium-plated hardware.
Material & Construction
Taurillon Clemence leather (known for a flat, matte appearance, soft hand, and irregular grain), saddle-stitched by hand with matching wax thread, featuring hand-painted and burnished edges.
Color & Pattern
Intense purple with subtle blue undertones, highly saturated, resembling Hermès shades like Anemone or Iris, presented in a rich solid plain grain finish.
Hardware Details
Palladium-plated (silver-tone) metal hardware, featuring the signature Kelly turn-lock closure straps, matching padlock (cadenas), keys in a clochette, and four protective base feet.
Interior Description
Lined in tonal chèvre (goatskin) leather, featuring one large zippered pocket and one flat slip pocket, spacious open-top main compartment with Hermès Paris made-in heat stamp.
Closure Type
Kelly turn-lock mechanism securing two horizontal straps that feed through eyelets around the upper rim of the bucket.
Strap & Handle Details
Single integrated flat leather shoulder strap with a buckle system allowing for adjustable drop length, comfortable for shoulder or crook-of-the-arm carry.
Craftsmanship Details
Exemplifies signature Hermès saddle stitching, flawless edge painting, perfectly aligned strap feed-through slots, and premium metal casting with crisp brand engravings.
Authentication Indicators
Saddle stitching with consistent angle and tension, crisp blind stamp placement, precise metallic engraving on the turn-lock plate, and high-grade Taurillon Clemence leather grain.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in France, crafted in specialized Hermès leather workshops following strict traditional artisanal standards where a single craftsman makes each bag from start to finish.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Late 2000s Revival, reflecting the period when Hermès expanded its iconic Kelly DNA into relaxed everyday silhouettes.
Age Estimate
Likely produced between 2008 and 2018, given the active production window of the So Kelly line and hardware style.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of elite luxury hardware into functional everyday silhouettes, highly coveted by collectors for its rare blend of Kelly heritage and casual ease.
Condition Notes
Pristine to excellent visual condition based on promotional/archival image display, showing strong shape retention, clean structured base, and unblemished hardware plating.
Value Estimate
Estimated secondary resale market value ranges from $4,500 to $7,500 USD depending on exact color rarity, year, and inclusion of box, dust bag, and original store receipt.
Care & Maintenance
Store stuffed with acid-free tissue in its original felt dust bag away from direct light and humidity; condition Clemence leather sparingly with high-end leather balm; protect hardware from scratching.
Similar Handbags
Hermès Picotin Lock (more minimal bucket style without Kelly hardware), Hermès Kelly Danse, Mansur Gavriel Large Bucket Bag (contemporary alternative).
Interesting Facts
The So Kelly was designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier during his tenure as creative director of Hermès, aiming to blend timeless house codes with more casual, functional everyday shapes.