Not on display

We don’t have an image of this object online yet.

More about images

V&A Images may have a photograph that we can’t show online, but it may be possible to supply one to you. Email us at vaimages@vam.ac.uk for guidance about fees and timescales, quoting the accession number: T.169-2019

Hermès 'Kelly' handbag

Bag
1996
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Transparent plastic Kelly bag, Hermès, Spring 1996.

Object details

Category
Object type
TitleHermès 'Kelly' handbag
Materials and techniques
Plastic
Brief description
Handbag, plastic, metal, Hermès, France, 1996
Physical description
Transparent plastic Kelly bag, Hermès, Spring 1996.
Dimensions
  • Height: 23cm
  • Width: 32cm
  • Depth: 8.5cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • SEE THROUGH KELLY BAG (A SPECIAL FOR SECURITY BAG-CHECKS!)
  • KELLY TRANSPARENT (SPECIAL POUR CONTRÔLE SÉCURITÉ!)
Gallery label
(12/2020)
Many of today’s luxury handbag brands, such as Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada, began as producers of leatherware and travel goods including trunks, saddlebags and luggage. They continue to reference their travel heritage through construction techniques, designs, advertisements and marketing campaigns. This Prada backpack is made from lightweight and practical nylon, while the Hermès' transparent 'Kelly' acknowledges the security checks that have become a necessary part of contemporary travel.

V&A, Room 40, Bags: Inside Out
Bibliographic reference
Bags V&A Exhibition (Project) Bags: Inside Out (2020) Lucia Savi, V&A Publishing, pg 65
Collection
Accession number
T.169-2019

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdFebruary 21, 2019
Record URL
Download as: JSON