The Hermes Kelly bag is a coveted bag. Like its muse, Grace Kelly, this bag is the definition of timeless elegance. The original prototype of this bag dates back to 1892 when Hermes developed a large bag to hold a saddle; the prototype was modified over the decades but the Kelly produced by Hermes today is similar to the Sac a Depeches introduced in the 1930s. In 1954, Grace Kelly was given the bag to use in the Hitchcock movie To Catch A Thief and she became an immediate fan. She wore it regularly after her marriage to Price Rainier of Monaco in 1956. The pregnant Princess Grace was photographed by Life Magazine wearing the bag to hide her growing belly and the media and public immediately dubbed the bag the Kelly bag. Hermes officially named it the Kelly in 1977.

The So Black series was created in 2010 by Jean Paul Gaultier who was Hermes' creative director at that time.  The So Black came in rich black calfskin and black matte alligator.  It is immediately identified by the dense, shiny black metal hardware, including the lock and keys.  Adding to the experience, Hermes put the So Black bag in a black box and black dustbag accompanied by most accompaniments.  The So Black was available in Birkin 30cm and 35cm and in Kelly 32cm and 35cm.  JPG designed the handle on the Kelly as it was originally designed with one ring and no shoulder strap.  In addition, the So Black comes in the Kelly Pochette, Kelly Cut and Constance Longue.