Hermès Kellymorphose zooms in on every detail that makes the Kelly bag iconic

There are so many ways to wear the Hermès Kelly and we’re not just talking about the handbag’s numerous colours, leathers, styles, stitches, and sizes. Through the years, it has been ingeniously transformed into everything from small leather goods, fashion accessories, timepieces, charms, and even a quirky cute mascot named Kellydole.

But the maison’s latest interpretation of the iconic handbag is also its most luxurious one, as creative director of Hermès jewellery, Pierre Hardy, applies his magic touch to Kellymorphose—a new fine jewellery collection celebrating the classic Kelly’s multidimensional allure.

Hermes Kellymorphose alphakelly — Kellymorphose offers a whimsical yet luxurious take on an Hermès icon. Courtesy of Hermès

Bridging the functional and the precious, Kellymorphose revisits the enigma of the legendary handbag first created in the 1930s then immortalised—and renamed—in the 1950s. Its trapezoidal architecture, side straps, clasp with padlock, and key holder all come apart in a playful deconstruction; a sumptuous reappropriation that converts these practical features into luxurious adornments.

Hermes Kellymorphose fb 2 — The collection explores playful contrasts between materials, textures, and motifs. Courtesy of Hermès

Says Hardy of this inherent creative tension, “The Kelly bag elevates its functional components: the side straps, and an elemental clasp consisting of a turnlock, a plate and four studs. I do the same with Kelly jewellery, by reinterpreting or disrupting its original lines.”

The collection is spread over seven visual themes, crafted in rose or white gold with a couple of pieces touched with silver. Alphakelly and Kelly Clochette forefront the beloved key and padlock motif while Kelly Baguette jazzes up the handbag’s signature turnlock clasp with diamonds and black spinels.

Hermes Kellymorphose fb — Every detail that makes the Kelly bag a legendary force has been affectionately reinterpreted. Courtesy of Hermès

Kelly Gavroche, too, plays with the clasp motif as its double rings and necklaces reference the Kelly bag’s elegant strap. Finally, Kelly Gourmette and Kelly Chaîne explore different chain-link designs, leaving Précieux Kelly to court the truest of Kelly bag stans.

The idea is also to explore multiple wearing styles: twirled once or twice round, cascading down the front or back, with or without diamond setting… Every piece expresses the irony of strength meets effervescence we’ve come to associate with Hardy’s designs.

Hermes Kellymorphose kelly gourmette — A melange of chain designs allow creative ways to wear the pieces, such assingle or double loops. Courtesy of Hermès

“I like movement,” he says, “A chain that winds around itself, a ring that splits into two, a key-chain that swings as you walk—I like capturing mobility without ever fixing it in place. I like the momentum of the body, which echoes creative momentum.”

Hermes Kellymorphose alphakelly bracelet — Courtesy of Hermès

1 / 16

Hermès Alphakelly bracelet in silver

Hermes Kellymorphose alphakelly double ring — Courtesy of Hermès

2 / 16

Hermès Alphakelly double ring in silver

Hermes Kellymorphose alphakelly necklace — Courtesy of Hermès

3 / 16

Hermès Alphakelly sautoir necklace in silver

Hermes Kellymorphose kelly chaine bracelet — Courtesy of Hermès

4 / 16

Hermès Kelly Chaine double bracelet in rose gold with diamonds

Hermes Kellymorphose kelly chaine body jewel — Courtesy of Hermès

5 / 16

Hermès Kelly Chaine body jewellery in rose gold with diamonds

Hermes Kellymorphose kelly baguette bracelet — Courtesy of Hermès

6 / 16

Hermès Kelly Baguettes cuff bracelet in rose gold with black spinels

Hermes Kellymorphose kelly baguette choker — Courtesy of Hermès

7 / 16

Hermès Kelly Baguettes choker in white gold with diamonds

Hermes Kellymorphose kelly clochette double bracelet — Courtesy of Hermès

8 / 16

Hermès Kelly Clochette double cuff bracelet in white gold with diamonds

Hermes Kellymorphose kelly clochette bracelet

9 / 16

Hermès Kelly Clochette bracelet in rose gold with diamonds

Hermes Kellymorphose kelly clochette earrings — Courtesy of Hermès

10 / 16

Hermès Kelly Clochette drop earrings in rose gold with diamonds

Hermes Kellymorphose kelly clochette necklace — Courtesy of Hermès

11 / 16

Hermès Kelly Clochette sautoir necklace in white gold with diamonds

Hermes Kellymorphose kelly gavroche ring — Courtesy of Hermès

12 / 16

Hermès Kelly Gavroche double ring in rose gold with diamonds

Hermes Kellymorphose kelly sac bijou — Courtesy of Hermès

13 / 16

Hermès Kelly Sac Bijou pendant in silver

Hermes Kellymorphose feature 3 — Courtesy of Hermès

14 / 16

Hermès Kelly Sac Bijou pendant with chain in silver

Hermes Kellymorphose kelly jewel — Courtesy of Hermès

15 / 16

Hermès Kelly Sac Bijou in rose gold with pink sapphires

Hermes Kellymorphose kelly precieux — Courtesy of Hermès

16 / 16