The PVC Kelly bag may appear at first sight to be a playful summer reinterpretation of the classic leather bag, perfect for a beach day. However, as is typical with Hermès products, there is a deeper narrative behind it.
In 1996, Hermès introduced these transparent PVC bags with gold hardware as striking invitations to their Spring Summer show. This design choice was a response to the tragic terrorist attacks on public transport the previous year, which resulted in 8 deaths and 157 injuries. Following these events, security measures in France, especially at high-profile gatherings like Hermès fashion shows, were significantly heightened. The transparent Kelly bag not only passed through security effortlessly but also served as a commemoration of those devastating incidents.
The original clear Hermès Kelly bag was 32 centimeters in size, featuring 'HERMÈS COLLECTION ETE 1996' on the front and 'Kelly Transparent (Special pour Contrôle Sécurité!)' in French, along with 'See Through Kelly (A Special for Security Bag Checks!)' in English at the bottom.
The popularity of the transparent Vinyl Kelly bag led Martin Margiela, who was the creative director of Hermès at the time, to create a new version specifically for a traveling exhibition. This exhibition coincided with Hermès' 160th birthday celebration.
Between 1997 and 1999, Hermès hosted a traveling exhibition in Japan known as 'Hermès Exhibition in the Wonderland'. During this event, visitors had the opportunity to purchase the second iteration of the transparent Kelly bag as well as an Orange Vinyl Kelly introduced in 1998. Spotting these bags outside Japan is a rare occurrence. These 40-centimeter versions of the bag were adorned with the phrase 'Souvenir de l’Exposition 199X' depending on the specific year of release, while the bottom showcased 'Un Voyage au Pays de Merveilles', which means 'A Trip to Wonderland'.
The Vinyl Kelly bag set a new trend in accessories and inspired many designers to create their own clear, vinyl bags—a trend that endures even today. These limited-edition bags remain highly sought-after, and if a Vinyl Kelly is placed on the secondhand market, it is swiftly claimed by eager buyers.
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