{"id":340655,"date":"2026-02-27T08:49:01","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T06:49:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.monaco-tribune.com\/2026\/02\/hermes-and-monacos-princely-family-how-princess-grace-made-the-kelly-bag-a-legend\/"},"modified":"2026-02-27T08:49:07","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T06:49:07","slug":"hermes-and-monacos-princely-family-how-princess-grace-made-the-kelly-bag-a-legend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.monaco-tribune.com\/en\/2026\/02\/hermes-and-monacos-princely-family-how-princess-grace-made-the-kelly-bag-a-legend\/","title":{"rendered":"Herm\u00e8s and Monaco\u2019s Princely Family: how Princess Grace made the Kelly bag a legend"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In 1956, Princess Grace concealed her pregnancy behind her Herm\u00e8s 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<\/strong><\/b>.<\/p>\n\n

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

But it is with Herm\u00e8s that the Grimaldis have cultivated the longest and most unique relationship. Founded in 1837 by Thierry Herm\u00e8s as a saddler and harness maker, Herm\u00e8s 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, Herm\u00e8s 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.<\/p>\n

\n
\"princesse
\u00a9 Agence Dalmas \u2013 Princely Palace<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Grace Kelly and the birth of a legend<\/strong><\/b><\/h2><\/h2>\n\n

The story between Monaco and Herm\u00e8s 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 \u2018Kelly\u2019.<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"
Princess Grace holding her Herm\u00e8s bag in 1955 \u00a9 Archives of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

In 1954, Princess Grace discovered Herm\u00e8s’ \u2018Sac \u00e0 d\u00e9p\u00eaches\u2019 bag on the set of Alfred Hitchcock’s \u2018To Catch a Thief<\/i>\u2019<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n

From then on, customers flocked to Herm\u00e8s asking for \u2018Grace Kelly’s bag\u2019. However, the company waited until 1977 to officially adopt the name, which had already entered everyday language. Since then, the \u2018Kelly\u2019 has become one of the most coveted fashion items in the world, a symbol of understated refinement and exceptional craftsmanship.<\/p>\n

\n
\"kelly\"
Exhibition of Princess Grace’s Objects, Jewellery and Photographs, which took place from 5 July 2025 to 14 September 2025 \u00a9 All rights reserved \u2013 Archives of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

68 years ago Prince Rainier III married Grace Kelly in the wedding of the century<\/a><\/blockquote>