ARISTOCRATIC LUXURY OF HERMES

The Hermès Company was founded by Thierry Hermes in 1837 in Paris as a supplier of saddles and harnesses to a very upscale clientele. His illustrious clients included royalty and sportsmen and sporting royals. Especially people like Napoleon the Third and his very fashionable wife, the Empress Eugenie.



By 1879, Hermes was in business at its present location on the prestigious Faubourg Saint-Honore in Paris. The company has had a long list of illustrious clients. Catherine Deneuve, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Victoria Beckham, Sofia Coppola, Demi Moore, Sandra Bullock, Kate Moss and Elle Macpherson.

Audrey Hepburn wearing an Hermès scarf

Hollywood’s most precious princess, Grace Kelly, has been the not-so-unofficial muse behind the Hermès Kelly Bag. She was attempting to hide her private “baby bump” with her Hermès bag — which was photographed and adored by the public. Hermès handbag received so much attention after that occasion.

The famous picture that turned a leather Hermès bag into the Hermès Kelly bag... Princess Grace used it to cover her pregnant belly...

Little known fact- Grace Kelly once used an Hermès scarf as a sling for her broken arm…

The Hermès Birkin bag is the most iconic handbag in the world and was created in 1984 by Jean Louis Dumas. He tweaked the original Haut à Courroies bag which was used to carry equestrian gear so it was more versatile, easier to carry and modern. Jane Birkin was the inspiration for this, hence the name.

Jane Birkin with her Birkin bag at Hermès

Now the riding gear is just a small part of the Hermes business. And the logo of Hermès’ brand adorns legendary silk scarves, leather bags, the best known of them are Kelly and Birkin Bags, elegant belts, clothes pret-a-porte, luxury fragrances and lifestyle accessories. Its logo, since the 1950s, is of a Duc carriage with horse.

Hermès classic

Hermès’ leathers include those of alligator from Florida, buffalo from Pakistan, crocodile from Australia, shark from Thailand, lizard from Malaysia, and oxen, deer, calf, goat, and ostrich from all over the world.

Almost whole time of fashion house Hermès being company have been guide by family members. And at spring 2005, after Jean Louis Dumas' leaving post of Executive Director, fashion house was headed by not family member Patrick Thomas, who previously had occupied position of the Assistant Executive Director.