Hermès

Thierry Hermès established the Hermès fashion house in Paris in 1837. It started off as a harness making shop where Thierry Hermès handcrafted horse harnesses for carriages. He was able to create an exceptional saddle stitch, which by the way was very hard to do due to the power and strength of horses, which rose concerns due to the leatherwork. However, this saddle was so great that it was later on renowned by the European royalty.

Thierry Hermès’s shop served European gentlemen and his clients also consisted of the stylish Parisian beau monde and European royalty including Napoléon III and his empress, Eugénie. Charles-Emile Hermès, Thierry Hermès’son and successor, expanded his line in 1879 after Thierry’s death in 1878. The manufacturing of saddles was included and a new shop was opened near the Palais de l’Elysée.

As the years went on, in 1922, the brand introduced its first handbags, and fortunate enough, in 1924 the brand secured a foothold in the United States.
The brand later released the first women’s fashion apparel in 1929.
The Hermès iconic bags consisted of the “Kelly bag” which became popular in 1956 by Grace Kelly, although it was manufactured in 1930. Hermès’ also launched their famous scarves and opened a scarf factory in 1937.

The brand’s best years where in the 1940s when it released the silk ties and perfumes.
Robert Dumas-Hermès took over the leadership of Hermès. He was related to the family by marriage and decided to use the name Hermès as well. He was known for launching the iconic Hermès ties – which are considered to be high priced while also being the most wanted ties in the world.
During the 1970’s, the brand expanded to create international shops across Europe, U.S, and Japan. However, it was a tough time considering other competitors were starting with their own innovation, giving room for more brands to create their own names in the industry.
Jean-Louis Dumas-Hermès replaced Robert and traveled the way to get inspiration on how he could develop and create new items fro Hermès.

In the 1990’s, Hermès became unstoppable as the brand expanded even more and released crystal and porcelain tableware. With its impressive history, dedicated leaders and creative minds, Hermès has proven to stay on top and not get discouraged by other competitor brands. In 2008, Hermès had 14 divisions selling a wide range of items such as accessories, apparel, perfume, scarves, ties, luxury goods, and everything else you can think of.
A truly respected name in the fashion world, Hermès has carved its name and logo in the fashion industry. The Hermes logo, the Duc carriage with a horse, will always remind the people that it was once a saddle store and now is the world’s most aspired luxury brand. No other brand has come close with its rich history and their clientele consists of the biggest celebrities in Hollywood such as Madonna, Elizabeth Hurley, Julianne Moore, Nicole Kidman, and more. Alongside the rich products Hermès offers, it gives people the experiential currency that makes people loyal to the brand. With the classic fonts, unique logo, and packaging – Hermes will live on forever as a inspirational icon in the fashion world. Having a Hermès iconic bag in your closet has become a status symbol that not everyone can afford to have.