Hermès, the home of Parisian chic.
Esteemed for its famous silk scarves and its upscale leather goods, the House of Hermès is synonymous with luxury and elegance. For over 180 years, Hermès has been cultivating its artisanal know-how and representing the art of living the French way in the four corners of the globe.
The origins of the famous luxury stallion.
In 1837, Thierry Hermès opened his first saddlery boutique in Paris, where he sold equipment for horses. Thirty years after the boutique opened, the little Parisian saddlery moved up in the world after the Universal Exhibition at which it was awarded a first class medal. Success was instant and Hermès became an undeniable reference in the world of luxury goods. The descendants of Thierry Hermès led the brand in different directions by developing collections of belts, leather goods and gloves. In 1937, the famous Hermès silk scarf was born and very rapidly adopted by celebrities in vogue at the time. The 90 x 90 cm silk scarf, which comes in different prints and colours, would go on to become a symbol of the House of Hermès and a veritable legend in the world of fashion.
Since then, Hermès has successfully left its mark by developing comprehensive collections of ready-to-wear and proposing ranges of must-have luxury products: watches, fragrances, jewellery. The history of the House of Hermès will be for ever marked by the legendary Kelly bag. Created in 1935 and inspired by bags used by horse riders, it became a legend in the world of leather goods thanks to famous actress Grace Kelly who was proudly brandishing it in a photo taken in 1956. A product of exceptional know-how, the famous trapezium-shaped bag adorned with a gold lock has since become an iconic product, a real object of desire.
A truly global French brand.
The ancestral know-how that has earned the House of Hermès its unparalleled global reputation is passed down from one generation to the next. Today, the brand counts over 300 boutiques and has been able to apply its flair for creativity to many different domains. Axel Dumas, a sixth-generation Hermès heir, took over stewardship of the group in 2013. He succeeded Patrick Thomas, and his appointment marked the return of the family to the reins of the fashion house. The history of the major Parisian brand has been marked by several legendary designers like Martin Margiela and Jean-Paul Gaultier who have taken on the role of creative director. Well known for its stylish but classic approach to advertising, the House of Hermès found new momentum in 2018 with a more modern and edgy ad campaign. Hermès did, however, stick to its well-honed codes: the models are in the background and the leading role in the campaigns is reserved for the designs and the fashion house's know-how.
Hermès has succeeding in retaining its aura over all these years and anchoring its collections in the spirit of the times. Timeless and never out of fashion, Hermès's fabulous models will always be indisputable icons in the world of luxury goods.