Hermès and Monaco’s Princely Family: how Princess Grace made the Kelly bag a legend

In 1956, Princess Grace concealed her pregnancy behind her Hermès bag. The photo went around the world. The company named the model after her. Nearly 70 years later, the Kelly remains one of the most coveted bags in the world.

The Princely Family has special ties with the biggest luxury brands: Chanel made Charlotte Casiraghi its ambassador, Princess Charlene chose Armani for her wedding and other special occasions.

But it is with Hermès that the Grimaldis have cultivated the longest and most unique relationship. Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès as a saddler and harness maker, Hermès has established itself over generations as one of the absolute jewels of global fashion. Despite the turbulence experienced by the luxury sector in recent years, Hermès has shown remarkable resilience and regularly ranks among the most powerful French brands, alongside Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Its equestrian heritage, its artisans trained over many years and its refusal to engage in mass production make it a symbol of excellence recognised on every continent.

Grace Kelly and the birth of a legend

The story between Monaco and Hermès could have been limited to that of a prestigious boutique in a golden principality. But it is much deeper than that, and it bears the name ‘Kelly’.

In 1954, Princess Grace discovered Hermès’ ‘Sac à dépêches’ bag on the set of Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘To Catch a Thief’. The American actress never parted with it again. Two years later, having become Princess of Monaco after her marriage to Prince Rainier III, she was photographed stepping off a plane, holding the bag in front of her to conceal her still-secret pregnancy. The image, published on the cover of Life Magazine, was seen around the world.

From then on, customers flocked to Hermès asking for ‘Grace Kelly’s bag’. However, the company waited until 1977 to officially adopt the name, which had already entered everyday language. Since then, the ‘Kelly’ has become one of the most coveted fashion items in the world, a symbol of understated refinement and exceptional craftsmanship.

68 years ago Prince Rainier III married Grace Kelly in the wedding of the century

A Kelly presented by Prince Albert II

On 19 July 2024, the Salle des Étoiles at the Sporting Monte-Carlo hosted the 75th Monaco Red Cross Gala. Eight hundred guests gathered for this anniversary edition, in the presence of Prince Albert II, president of the organisation since 1982, Princess Charlene, vice-president, and Camille Gottlieb, head of the youth section. To mark this anniversary, Hermès donated a Kelly bag to the Red Cross to be sold at auction. The 32 cm model was made from Rouge Piment calfskin, a leather known as ‘patrimonial’ and nicknamed the ‘king of leathers’ by the company’s craftsmen, which has helped build its reputation. The trim was made from silver-plated palladium. The choice of red directly echoed the colours of the Red Cross.

Organised by the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo with expert Jérôme Lalande, the auction closed on 10 July 2024, a few days before the gala, for €75,000. In addition to the bag, the lucky bidder was offered an invitation for two to an official table at the gala. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Kelly bag in person, on the Étoiles stage, by Prince Albert II.

The ‘ Deo Juvante Monaco ’ scarf

In 1957, Hermès created a silk scarf in honour of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. Designed by Hugo Grygkar, the scarf features the Principality’s coat of arms and its motto ‘Deo Juvante’ (With God’s help). This motto dates back to 1458, when Lambert Grimaldi adopted it after foiling a plot against his reign. It still appears on Monaco’s coat of arms and coins. The name of the scarf also refers to the princely yacht that transported Princess Grace from Toulon to Monaco for her wedding on 17 April 1956. The scarf became famous in 1957-1958, when Princess Grace used it as a scarf to support her broken arm

The Monte Carlo boutique carved out of rock

In 2018, the Hermès boutique in Monaco reopened its doors in the Monte-Carlo district after more than a year and a half of renovation work. The project took three years to come to fruition with the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM). The extensive renovation work was necessary due to a lack of space. The original space had ‘become too small’, according to Florian Craen, Hermès’s commercial director, quoted by Nice-Matin. The SBM therefore dug into the rock to create a bright and open 430 m² store.

Designed exclusively in terrazzo, the Monegasque address features a suspended balcony-shaped entrance. The home, men’s, equestrian, perfume, bag and silk collections are displayed in a colour chart. On the lower floor, the atmosphere is more subdued, welcoming the women’s, shoe and hat collections. The walls of the jewellery and watch department are designed by Pierre Bonnefille, with an ochre-pink patina enhanced with golden copper.

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Discreet nods to the House of Hermès

While Princess Charlene readily wears outfits by leading designers such as Louis Vuitton, Akris and Armani at major formal events, she regularly slips Hermès accessories into her outfits.

At the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, for example, Prince Albert II’s wife paired a Hermès ‘Guepards et Palmettes’ blouse, a printed silk model priced at $2,500, with black trousers and beige trainers with white soles. The casual chic ensemble was worn on 24 May during a visit to the stand of the Monegasque Association for the Disabled.

A few months earlier, in October 2025, Princess Charlene had already opted for Hermès trainers during her trip to Georgia. Accompanied by her brother Gareth Wittstock, she supported the Monegasque U16 national rugby team during their training camp in Martkopi. A beige leather jacket, white turtleneck and dark trousers: a comfortable outfit enhanced by a touch of Parisian style. In April 2024, during the Sainte-Dévote Rugby Tournament at the Stade Louis II, she chose a brown Hermès leather belt to accessorise her cream Ralph Lauren blazer with thin stripes and raw denim jeans.

Decades pass, styles evolve, but Hermès is never far from the Princely Family. Whether it’s a bag at auction, a historic silk scarf or carefully chosen accessories, the prestigious Parisian fashion house has been accompanying the Grimaldis for nearly 70 years.