Brand Story
Hermès International S.C.A. ( er-MEZ, French: [ɛʁmɛs] ), using the trade name Hermès Paris or simply Hermès, is a French luxury goods company that was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès in Paris, France. At that time, it specialized in the saddlery and harness making trade, producing equipment for horse riders and their horses. The company then branched out into many other trades, including leather goods (which is now its core business), followed by silk, ready-to-wear, watchmaking, jewellery, fashion accessories and perfumery. In 2020, the beauty division added a sixteenth business line. Hermès is still controlled by descendants of the founder, Thierry Hermès. The Hermès family is divided into three branches – the Dumas, Guerrand and Puech cousins – united within the H51 holding company.
Timeline
- 1837
Founded as a harness workshop
Thierry Hermès opens a harness workshop in Paris serving European nobility.
- 1922
Leather goods expansion
Émile-Maurice Hermès brings the zipper to France, expanding into leather bags and accessories.
- 1937
First silk scarf
The Carré 90×90cm silk scarf is born — becomes one of the brand's signature objects.
- 1956
Kelly bag named
Grace Kelly photographed using the Sac à Dépêches to hide her pregnancy; bag is renamed in her honor.
- 1984
Birkin bag debuts
Jane Birkin's airplane-seat conversation with CEO Jean-Louis Dumas leads to the most coveted bag in fashion history.