Alfred Hitchcock has been credited with bringing the handbag into the limelight. In 1954, Hitchcock allowed the costume designer Edith Head to purchase Hermès accessories for the film To Catch a Thief, starring Grace Kelly. According to Head, Kelly “fell in love” with the bag. In 1956 she became princess of Monaco and was photographed using the handbag to shield her growing belly from the paparazzi during her first pregnancy. That photograph was featured in Life magazine. Princess Grace was a fashion icon, and the handbag immediately achieved great popularity. Although the handbag instantly became known as the Kelly bag, it was not officially renamed until 1977.
The handbag with which Princess Grace was photographed was loaned from the palace archives of Monaco and displayed in the Victoria and Albert Museum in April 2010, along with other notable wardrobe items owned by the princess. The “star exhibit” of the show contains scuffs and marks, as the wardrobe thrifty princess carried it for many years. Hermès now creates 32 styles of handbags, but the Kelly persists as the manufacturer’s best-seller.
Kelly Sizes:
FAQ
Q: What makes Bag-a-Vie different from other handbag shapers?
A: Bag-a-Vie Purse Shapers are designed to preserve the shape, structure, and value of your luxury handbags. Unlike plastic or paper fillers, our shapers are breathable, moisture-absorbing, and made to protect your investment pieces for years.
Q: How do I care for my Bag-a-Vie Purse Shapers?
A: When your shapers arrive, remove them from the plastic bag and massage with your palms to flatten the fibers, which may shift during shipping. Refresh them monthly in the dryer to disinfect and restore moisture-absorbing qualities. Replace every 2 years, or sooner if you live in a humid climate.
Q: Can I wash my Bag-a-Vie Shapers?
A: Bag-a-Vie Shapers are surface-clean only. To refresh, simply place them in the dryer (no wash cycle needed).
Q: Where should I store my handbags with Bag-a-Vie inside?
A: Always store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or hot lights. Use your dust bags or a handbag hanger when appropriate, and avoid sealed boxes to allow proper airflow.
Q: Why shouldn’t I use plastic air pillows or tissue paper in my bags?
A: Plastic and tissue can trap moisture, cause mold, or distort your bag’s natural structure. Bag-a-Vie Shapers are designed to maintain shape and protect leather long-term.
Q: What sizes are available in the Classic Collection?
A: Our Classic Collection features universal sizes to fit most handbags. You can mix and match for a custom fit, and alternate positioning if using more than one shaper in the same bag.
Q: How do Custom Collection Shapers work for Birkin and Kelly bags?
A: Our Custom Collection is designed specifically for Hermès. Birkin Shapers let you store your bag open to prevent stretching, strap marks, and flap imprints. For Kelly and Birkin, gently press shapers into place, pull straps inward without locking, and store bags lying flat whenever possible to prevent creasing.
Q: Do I really need to replace Bag-a-Vie Shapers?
A: Yes. For best results, replace them every 2 years (or more often in humid environments) to ensure continued shape support and moisture protection.
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