Hermès Kelly Retourne Special Order

An Hermès Horseshoe stamp ("HSS"), is a Special Order ("SO") for an Hermès bag that has had each of the design elements carefully selected by the customer. As a result, the customer receives an Hermès bag that is specifically tailored to their personal liking - truly "special" indeed! Getting offered a Kelly Retourne HSS has proven to be difficult: it is considered one of the most exclusive opportunities in the luxury fashion world as there is a certain limit as to how many SOs can be offered. 
Hermès Kelly Retourne Special Order

Hermès Kelly Retourne Special Order 25

Hermès Kelly Retourne Special Order

Hermès Kelly Retourne Special Order 28

Hermès Kelly Retourne Special Order

Hermès Kelly Retourne Special Order 32

Hermès Kelly Retourne Special Order

Hermès Kelly Retourne Special Order 35

Hermès Kelly Retourne Special Order

Hermès Kelly Retourne Special Order 40

About Hermès

Since 1837, Hermès has remained faithful to its artisanal model and its humanist values. The freedom to create, the constant quest for beautiful materials, and the transmission of exceptional know-how – which enable the creation of useful, and elegant objects which stand the test of time – forge the uniqueness of Hermès. Family-run, independent and socially responsible, the company is committed to maintaining the majority of its production in France, through its 43 production sites, while developing its international distribution network of 311 stores in 45 countries.

Leather, Skins, & Material

Offered in a wide range of different leathers and skins, the most popular types of leather personally chosen to craft the Hermès Kelly Retourne include Clemence, Epsom and Togo. Other leathers include Barenia Natural, Box Calf, Fjord, Swift, Buffalo Skipper, Chamonix, Chevre de Coromandel, Doblis Suede and Chevre Mysore. Exotic skins include Varanus Niloticus (Lizard), Ostrich, Alligator, Crocodile Niloticus (matte and shiny), Crocodile Porosus and Natural Lizard.


There are currently four versions of the Kelly Retourne Special Order Bag: 

Version 1:
  • Looks like a regular Kelly Retourne with the interior and exterior as the same color. 
  • Stitching is a different color. 
  • Your choice in hardware.
  • Your choice in the length of the leather strap.
Version 2:
  • The exterior is one color. 
  • The interior and stitching are different colors. 
  • Your choice in hardware.
  • Your choice in the length of the leather strap.
Version 3: 
  • The exterior is one colour.
  • The interior, piping and stitching are a different colour. 
  • Your choice in the length of the leather strap.
Version 4: 
  • The front panel, back panel and interior is one colour. 
  • The piping, side panels, top handles, side straps, clochette, shoulder strap and stitching are a different colour. 
  • Your choice in the length of the leather strap.

History of the Kelly Retourne Special Order

Inspired by 1950's Hollywood star Grace Kelly, the Hermès Kelly was designed to be bold. Brought to life by Rober Dumas, the Hermès Kelly features two triangular gussets, a short top handle and crossbody strap.  The term "Retourne" signifies that the bag was reversed, hence why the edges of the Kelly Retourne are softer as compared to the Sellier.

How to Buy

To get your hands on a Kelly Retourne HSS, there are six steps:
  1. Be invited to place a Special Order by an Hermès sales associate. 
  2. Prepare in advance as to what version and color options you want. Keep in mind your sales associate might offer you different choices than what you had prepared. 
  3. Attend your appointment with your sales associate where they will fill out the necessary paperwork detailing your Special Order and place the order. 
  4. Wait for your Special Order to be approved by Hermès in Paris. It is important to note that Special Orders are subject to changes or even rejection by the brand. 
  5. Wait for your bag to arrive at your local Hermès boutique! On average, it takes approximately six months to one year for customers to receive their SOs.
  6. Say yes to the bag! After seeing your SO bag in person, you have the option to accept or reject the bag. If you accept, you'll pay for the bag at no extra cost. An SO Kelly Retourne will cost the same as a non-HSS Kelly Retourne.