Lisa Nüdling wins the race: Kelly bag secured for 3200 euros!

Lisa Nüdling wins the race: Kelly bag secured for 3200 euros!

There are always exciting stories in the world of luxury goods, and a very special episode was broadcast on June 16, 2025 on the ZDF junk show “Bares für Rares”. In this program, Friederike Wätjen, 67 years old and from Neuruppin, presented a Hermès Kelly bag that contains a real piece of fashion history. This bag, named after famous actress Grace Kelly, is considered the “handbag of handbags,” according to expert Dr. Bianca Berding aptly describes it. Despite its noble name, the piece was in deplorable condition - the leather was torn and partially broken, limiting the estimate of its value to a mere 2,000 to 3,000 euros.

However, the interest was enormous! Dealer Wolfgang Pauritsch showed his interest in the first bids and started with 1000 euros. The bids rose quickly, and Lisa Nüdling, known from the show, was particularly enthusiastic about the bag. She finally offered 2200 euros, but was outbid again. Ultimately, Nüdling was able to win the red Kelly bag for 3,200 euros and was happy about her new treasure.

A piece of history

The Kelly Bag has a long and eventful history. It was originally designed by Robert Dumas in 1930 and initially sold under the name “Petit Sac Haut à Courroies”. Her big leap into popularity came in the 1950s when Grace Kelly wore the bag to hide her pregnancy from photographers while on the set of To Catch a Thief. Since then, the bag has become a symbol of elegance and style and was renamed in 1977 in honor of the actress. Each copy of this bag is made by hand and consists of 36 carefully sewn leather elements, which gives it a special appeal and exclusivity.

The current version of the Kelly Bag also offers a shoulder strap, which increases functionality. The love for the bag is undiminished and it is considered a worthwhile investment for collectors, as resale prices often reach astronomical heights due to high demand. The most expensive ceramic variant, the “Hermès Kelly 25 Himalaya Diamond”, fetched an impressive $330,000 at auction.

Always a good deal

Due to the high demand and the variety of models and designs on offer, the Kelly Bag remains a sought-after item in the world of fashion. From raffia designs to versions made from every material imaginable – collectors have a wide range to choose from. Prices for new models often start at under 4,000 euros, while values ​​for rare bags at auction quickly skyrocket.

The current episode of “Cash for Rares” showed once again why the Kelly Bag is not just a handbag, but a real cult object. Lisa Nüdling has shown a good hand and used her enthusiasm for the high-quality craftsmanship of Hermès production to secure another piece of fashion history. It was a real bargain that not only made the lover's heart beat faster, but also brought an exciting anecdote into the world of the junk show.

For more information about the Kelly Bag, including its history and the most expensive models, see Sotheby’s and Gala.