Everything about the Hermès brand
In the world of fashion, Hermès has always been considered as one of the top brands, famous for its iconic designs, its impressive quality and the dedication put into its craftsmanship. Here we want to show you everything about the Hermès brand, so you can have a better understanding of this high-luxury fashion house that will continue to be the favorite for many.
- A timeline to Hermès History
- Who owns Hermès?
- How many Hermès stores are there?
- Which are the best Hermès products?
- Which Hermès bag is the most popular?
- Which are the Hermès designers?
- How are Hermès items made?
- How to know if a Hermès item is authentic?
- How to take care of Hermès items?
- Why is Hermès so expensive?
- Why invest in Hermès items?
- Where to buy Hermès items with discounts?
A timeline to Hermès History
Hermès, the iconic luxury brand known worldwide, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century that extends to today, rising as one of the most acclaimed fashion houses in the world, and the creator of the most iconic and valuable handbags to ever exist. So if you’re wondering how Hermès started, here is a detailed timeline of the grandiose Hermès history:
Origins and 19th century
- Thierry Hermès founded the brand in the 19th century, starting with a harness workshop in rue Basse-du-Rempart Paris.
- Thierry’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovative leather techniques set the foundation for Hermès’s success.
- The brand gained recognition for its quality and won awards at prestigious events such as the first prize in their class at the 1855 and 1867 Expositions Universelles in Paris
- Charles-Émile Hermès, Thierry ‘s son, expanded the business, moving it to 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris.
- The brand’s clientele extended worldwide, and it introduced iconic products like the Haut à Courroies bag.
Hermès Frères
- Adolphe and Émile-Maurice, sons of Charles-Émile Hermès, took over, renaming the company Hermès Frères (Hermès brothers).
- Émile-Maurice secured exclusive rights for zippers in French leather goods and clothing, introducing them to France.
- In 1918, Hermès crafted the first leather golf jacket with a zipper for the Prince of Wales, earning it the nickname “fermeture Hermès” (Hermès closing).
- During the 1920s, Émile-Maurice expanded the business with accessories and clothing collections, grooming his sons-in-law as partners.
- In 1922, the first Hermès leather handbags debuted, inspired by Émile-Maurice’s wife.
- Expansion to the United States occurred in 1924, and the first women’s couture apparel collection was presented in 1929.
- Iconic Hermès products like the Kelly bag (originally the Sac à dépêches) in 1935 and silk scarves in 1937 were introduced in the 1930s.
- The company ventured into the U.S. market, later withdrawing from Neiman Marcus in New York.
- In 1949, Eau d’Hermès marked the brand’s first perfume launch.
- From the mid-1930s, Hermès collaborated with Swiss watchmaker Universal Genève, producing men’s wrist chronographs and women’s Art Deco cuff watches.
- Émile-Maurice’s Hermès philosophy encompassed “leather, sport, and a tradition of refined elegance.”
The Hermès brand post Émile-Maurice
Sac à dépêches
- In 1951, Robert Dumas-Hermès became the company’s leader, the first not directly related to the Hermès family by blood. He merged the Hermès name with his own, adopting the name Dumas-Hermès.
- During the early 1950s, Hermès introduced its iconic logo featuring a Duc carriage and horse, along with its signature orange packaging.
- Robert Dumas-Hermès emphasized innovation, expanding into handbags, jewelry, and accessories. Silk scarves became a particular focus.
- While scarf production increased, the Hermès store on Faubourg Saint-Honoré became a popular meeting place for international celebrities.
- In 1956, Grace Kelly’s use of the Sac à dépêches bag to conceal her pregnancy led to it being known as the Kelly bag, a name officially adopted by Hermès in 1977.
- In 1959, the Hermès designer Catherine Chaillet created the Constance handbag and named it after her fifth daughter. Later, Jacqueline Kennedy popularized the handbag worldwide in her appearances as the First Lady of the United States.
- In 1961, Hermès entered the perfume business with the Calèche scent, inspired by a traditional horse carriage, also the company’s logo.
Decline and reinvention
- In the 1970s, despite multiple global store openings, Hermès experienced a decline attributed to its insistence on using natural materials while competitors shifted to synthetics.
- A market shift back to natural materials renewed demand for Hermès fragrances and revitalized the company’s prospects.
- Jean-Louis Dumas, son of Robert Dumas-Hermès, took over in 1978 and restructured Hermès, focusing on silk, leather goods, and ready-to-wear, which reversed the brand’s decline.
- Dumas brought in designers Eric Bergère and Bernard Sanz, introducing unique items like python motorcycle jackets and ostrich-skin jeans.
- A 1979 advertising campaign aimed to attract new, younger consumers by altering Hermès’ image.
- In the 1970s, La Montre Hermès, the watch subsidiary, was founded in Switzerland.
- Throughout the 1980s, Dumas increased the company’s holdings in suppliers and acquired renowned tableware manufacturers, including Puiforcat, St. Louis, and Périgord.
Continuous growth
- In the 1980s, tableware became a significant part of Hermès, expanding to include porcelain and crystal items.
- In 1984, Jean-Louis Dumas designed and launched the Birkin bag inspired by the actress Jane Birkin. It quickly became the most famous and valuable handbag in the world.
- By 1990, Hermès had amassed a collection of over 30,000 pieces.
- Hermès moved its workshops and design studios to Pantin, near Paris, and went public on the Paris Bourse (stock exchange) in June 1993, generating significant interest.
- The equity sale aimed to ease family tensions by allowing some members to sell their holdings.
- The Hermès family still held about 80% of stocks, with Jean-Louis Dumas and the entire family appearing on Forbes’ list of billionaires.
- Dumas reduced Hermès franchises from 250 to 200 while increasing company-owned stores from 60 to 100 to gain better control over sales.
- Hermès targeted China for company-operated boutiques, opening one in The Peninsula Beijing in 1997.
- In 1997, Jean-Louis hired Martin Margiela to oversee women’s ready-to-wear.
- Hermès continued to acquire franchised stores, decreasing their number, and ventured into unexpected artistic orders in the late 1990s.
The new millennium
- In 2003, Martin Margiela departed from Hermès, and Jean Paul Gaultier became the head designer.
- In 2004, Jean-Claude Ellena took on the role of in-house perfumer, creating successful fragrances like the Hermessence line.
- After 28 years at the helm, Jean-Louis Dumas retired in January 2006 and was succeeded by Patrick Thomas, the first non-Hermès family member to lead the company.
- In February 2015, Hermès reported a 9.7% increase in turnover, surpassing €4 billion in sales, with growth seen across regions.
- In March 2018, Hermès opened its largest store to date at the Dubai Mall.
- In 2019, Hermès was ranked 33rd on Forbes’ list of “World’s Most Valuable Brands.”
- In the 2021 review of WIPO’s World Intellectual Property Indicators, Hermès ranked 7th globally for industrial design registrations.
- In 2023, Hermès successfully won a copyright lawsuit against artist Mason Rothschild for replicating and selling the Birkin bag as an NFT collection.
- During Q1 2023, Hermès experienced a remarkable 22% increase in sales, totaling €3.4 billion.
- In the same year, Hermès reveals plans for the establishment of four new production facilities in France: Espagnac, Loupes, Riom, and Charleville-Mézières.
Who owns Hermès?
Hermès, known for its fiercely guarded independence, has predominantly been under the ownership of the Hermès family. The family maintains a significant stake in the company through their holding entity, H51, ensuring their firm control over its destiny. Unlike many luxury brands that have come under the wings of large conglomerates like LVMH, Hermès has remained autonomous.
However, in an intriguing turn of events, the Arnault family, prominent owners of LVMH, quietly acquired approximately 20% of Hermès by the year 2023. This unexpected development raised concerns within the Hermès family about a potential takeover by Bernard Arnault. In response, the Hermès family took strategic action to protect their ownership by forming a new holding company.
In the fiscal year 2022, Hermès demonstrated its strength by generating an impressive €11.6 billion in revenue, underpinned by €3.4 billion in profits. These figures underscore the brand’s commitment to excellence and its ability to thrive independently in the fiercely competitive luxury market.
How many Hermès stores are there?
If you’re wondering where can Hermès usually be found, the brand boasts a global presence, with twenty-five subsidiaries strategically positioned across Europe, the Middle East, the American continent, Asia, and Oceania. These subsidiaries operate stores worldwide, each offering a curated selection of exquisite products crafted by Hermès’ four production units: Hermès Sellier, Hermès Parfums, La Montre Hermès, and La Table Hermès.
A vast clientele has access to the complete range of Hermès offerings through a meticulously woven network. Hermès locations include 315 exclusive boutiques and an additional 21 retail outlets. Beyond these dedicated spaces, Hermès’ watches, fragrances, and tableware grace the shelves of specialized stores, find their place in airport duty-free shops, and even take flight aboard aircraft, ensuring that the brand’s elegance and craftsmanship reach enthusiasts across the globe.
But, how many Hermès stores are in Paris? Since the City of Lights was the one that saw the birth of this prestigious luxury brand, naturally you would think that there are a good number of Hermès stores in its territory, but surprisingly there are only three well established official Hermès stores. These boutiques include the Georges V boutique, the Rue du Sevres boutique, and the main Hermès Flagship boutique nestled in the vibrant center of the city, just a short stroll from the iconic Jardin des Tuileries. This is the presence of Hermès in Paris!
Which are the best Hermès items?
Throughout the 186 years in which the Hermès atelier has been around, there have been innumerable creations that have become instant fashion classics, transcending in time and gaining more relevance. The incredible Hermès ability to create outstanding pieces knows no limits, as there are many accessories that can be considered the best Hermès items. Here are just a few of the most iconic Hermès products that you can’t miss from your collection:
- Birkin, Kelly and Constance handbags: The top of the list needs to be ruled by the strong trinity of Hermès handbags that have conquered the luxury market since their inception. Without a doubt, the best Hermès products are its handbags, especially the Birkin, Kelly and Constance models. These accessories represent the crown jewel of the French brand and will always be the most sought-after products of this atelier.
- Scarves and carrés: The Hermès carré and scarves are timeless fashion statements loved for their versatility and intricate designs. The heritage of these accessories and their relevance in the fashion world makes them recognized pieces that will never go out of style.
- Belts: With the iconic “H” buckle belt as the most representative, Hermès belts are a must-have for fashion enthusiasts. Acclaimed for their versatility and reversible quality, these belts have become a statement piece of the brand.
- Watches: Known for their precision and sophistication, Hermès watches blend Swiss watchmaking excellence with the brand’s iconic design. With the passage of time, the French house watches have become special pieces in the luxury world.
- Home products: Hermès home products can improve every room of your home, they include luxurious tableware, decorative pieces, textiles, and furnishings. Throughout the Hermès history, the home products have conquered an important place in the heart of luxury lovers.
- Jewelry: From statement-making bracelets to elegant pendants, earrings and rings, Hermès jewelry is the true meaning of luxury. The minimalist designs and the timeless appearance of these jewels will keep them alive in the luxury fashion panorama for many more years.
- Wallets: Crafted from the finest leathers, Hermès wallets combine practicality with elegance. The quality materials that compose these small leather pieces makes them durable choices for the day to day life.
- Ties and pocket squares: The perfect complement to any formal attire, Hermès silk ties and pocket squares are accessories that can’t be missing from any gentleman’s wardrobe. The Hermès silk ties are undoubtedly the representation of an elegant and well behaved gentleman.
- Shoes and clothing: From chic footwear to sophisticated clothing for men and women, Hermès collections exemplify class and style. Combining modern designs with a classic appearance, these garments are the perfect complement for people of all ages and styles.
- Bag charms: The ideal partner to your Hermès handbags, add a touch of playfulness to your Hermès bag with exquisite bag charms crafted from premium materials. The perfect way to accessorize your bag and represent the heritage of Hermès.
Which Hermès bag is the most popular?
Without a doubt, the Hermès handbags are the favorite product created by the French fashion house, as their iconic silhouettes and the story that accompanies them makes them statement pieces capable of reaching unthinkable values. However, amongst the many Hermès handbags, there are three that stand higher than the rest, and even amongst these three, there is only one that is considered the most popular and the most sought-after of them all.
The Hermès Birkin handbag quickly rose to fame after its inception in 1984. Inspired by the acclaimed actress Jane Birkin, this spacious bag was created with the purpose of being practical and comfortable for women that needed to store many items. After its initial boom in the market, the Birkin bag never stopped rising in value, mainly due to the business strategy used by Hermès to create more demand than handbags to cover it, but also because the status and flawless construction of the accessory.
Through the years, the Birkin bag continued appreciating in value and it was soon discovered that this handbag can also retain its value easily, making it an ideal investment for celebrities, socialites and even wealthy people that want to have a guaranteed profit in the future, while remaining stylish and owning a classic luxury handbag.
Of course, we cannot leave aside the classic Kelly handbag, which is also considered a very popular Hermès bag and it also holds the potential to appreciate and retain its value. This iconic trapezoidal accessory became famous thanks to the princess Grace Kelly, who used it to shield her pregnant belly from the Life magazine paparazzi in 1956. Since then, this handbag was renamed after the princes in the 1970s and it hasn’t stopped being in everyone’s lips, as it continues to be a true classic and a desirable bag.
The small Constance handbag is also the third popular icon of the Hermès handbag trilogy. Introduced in 1959 by Chaterine Chaillet, this modern and compact bag was a revolutionary accessory at the time, designed for the modern women that needed to have their hands free. The crossbody feature of the Hermès Constance bag is definitely a favorite. The smallest member of the Hermès trilogy is just like its sibling bags, and it can also retain its value and reach incredible profits in the luxury resale market.
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Which are the Hermès designers?
When it comes to the incredible designs that we see in the Hermès collections, either the ready-to-wear collections or in the acclaimed silk scarves, there is always a designer behind these creations. Combining their artistic point of view to the atelier’s recurrent themes, these artists put their heart and thought into their designs, creating iconic patterns that stand strong in time in all of the Hermès’ products.
Throughout the years there has been innumerable renowned designers that have worked in collaboration with the French brand, each of them dedicating to a different range of products. Here are some of the most acclaimed Hermès designers:
- Lola Prusac: She designed the first collection of women’s clothing in 1929, as well as many silk scarves and bags with geometric patterns in the early 1930s.
- Jacques Delahaye: Designer of clothing and silk scarves.
- Catherine de Karolyi: Ready-to-wear designer and the creator of the famous “H” buckle belt.
- Monsieur Levaillant: Designer for clothing and silk scarves.
- Nicole de Vesian: Designer for clothing and silk scarves.
- Eric Bergère: Designer of exotic clothing pieces in the 1970’s.
- Claude Brouet: Designer and director of women’s fashion in 1988.
- Tan Giudicelli: Ready-to-wear designer from 1988 to 1992.
- Marc Audibet: Women’s fashion designer from 1991 to 1997.
- Bernard Sanz: Designer of exotic clothing pieces in the 1970’s.
- Martin Margiela: Creative director for the women’s collection in 1997. He designed the creative double tour Cape Cod watch strap.
- Jean-Paul Gaultier: Appointed as the creative director of Hermès from 2003 to 2010, Jean-Paul Gaultier revolutionized the brand by adding new twists to the classic brand’s handbags. He introduced the Kelly doll bag and he added avant-garde touches to the Birkin bags, by creating the So Black version and combinations in denim. Gaultier also took over the clothing collection for men and women, adding modernity and edginess to the classic Hermès garments.
- Pierre Hardy: Working in Hermès from 1990 to 1999, Pierre Hardy was appointed as a shoe designer for the men and women’s collections. His more distinctive creation was the Oran sandal, an accessory that remains a classic of the fashion house. He was then appointed to the creation of ready-to-wear for men and women, and he then designed jewelry for the brand.
- Christophe Lemaire: A top designer who took charge of the Hermès ready-to-wear women’s collection from 2010 to 2015. This designer was praised for his ability to create minimalistic clothing with a modern and practical character.
- Véronique Nichanian: The woman in charge for the ready-to-wear men’s collection since 1988 to the present time. This acclaimed designer has spent a great portion of her life dedicated to create impressive and elegant attires for modern men, putting special emphasis in formal wear.
- Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski: Today, Cybulski is the creative director of the ready-to-wear women’s collection. She joined the brand in 2014 and since then she has developed impressive collections full of a modern style and a minimalist approach.
How are Hermès items made?
Craftsmanship is the core value of Hermès as a luxury brand, and since it is a very strong value attached to its origins, the brand still strives to create flawless pieces using a combination of traditional hand-stitching and modern techniques. The fame and recognition of Hermès starts in its workshop, under the hands of professional artisans that need to be trained for at least six years to master the French brand dedication and perfect finishes.
But you must be wondering where are Hermès items made? Most of the production takes place in France, across 52 different sites distributed in 11 regions. There are also 12 other manufacturers across the world in countries such as United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Switzerland, Vietnam and USA.
The leatherwork is the signature specialty of Hermès, therefore, the artisans need to master working with each type of different leather; from supple calfskin, to exotic skins like crocodile, alligator, lizard and even ostrich. These premium materials certainly call for a professional handle so they can be transformed into the marvelous Hermès Birkin, Kelly and Constance handbags. These products alone take up to 18 to 24 hours to produce and to complete all of the processes required to obtain a flawless final result.
It must be added that each handbag is made exclusively by just one craftsman, so this means that each creation is individual and personal, allowing the artisans to put more effort into each piece and to dedicate themselves to manufacture a perfect product. Like Axel Dumas often says: “The rule of one bag, one artisan is part of our DNA”.
However, the handbags are not the only Hermès products that call for a professional to be made, as products like the silk scarves can take up to 18 months to be produced. These pieces take a rigorous process to be made. Everything starts with the work of skilled designers, they come up with the colorful designs and palettes that are going to be used to create a new silk scarf. Once the design is approved, the production begins with the engraving of the films where the design is fixed. The designers have to engrave up to 47 films to cover the whole design.
After this process is finished, the raw silk is sourced from Brazil to France and woven to get ready for the printing. The craftsmen mix the pigments for the colorful scarves and apply them to the screens, the silk is put down on a table, and one by one the screens are pressed against the silk to print the design. The artisans must wait until the colors are dry to then steam the whole scarf to fix the printing. Finally, the craftsmen proceed to cut the scarf into the right size, hand roll and hand-stitch the edges to obtain a flawless final result and a piece that is considered a true work of art.
The many Hermès accessories are also created with utmost attention to detail, using high-quality materials and an unmatched dedication to the craftsmanship. In the same way