Hermès, a renowned French luxury brand, is synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship, timeless elegance, and unparalleled exclusivity. Best known for its iconic Birkin and Kelly bags, Hermès has a rich history that spans over 180 years and has established itself as a symbol of wealth, status, and sophistication. In this article, we will explore ten lesser-known facts about Hermès that may surprise you and deepen your appreciation for this iconic brand.
1. Origins as a Harness Workshop
Hermès was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès, who initially established the company as a harness workshop in Paris, catering to European nobility and the carriage trade. Thierry Hermès was a master craftsman who specialized in creating high-quality saddles and harnesses for horses, which quickly gained the attention of the French upper class. This equestrian heritage remains an integral part of the Hermès brand identity, evident in its logo, which features a Duc carriage and horse.
2. Family-Owned and Operated
Hermès has remained a family-owned and operated business throughout its history, with the sixth generation of the Hermès family now at the helm. This continuity of family ownership has allowed the brand to maintain its core values, dedication to craftsmanship, and commitment to quality. The Hermès family is deeply involved in every aspect of the business, from design and production to marketing and management, ensuring that the brand’s vision and heritage are preserved for future generations.
3. Artisans Trained for Years
The exceptional craftsmanship that goes into every Hermès product is the result of years of training and experience. Hermès artisans undergo rigorous training, often lasting several years, before they are considered masters of their craft. This dedication to craftsmanship ensures that each Hermès item is made to the highest possible standards, with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to using only the finest materials.
4. The Origins of the Kelly Bag
The iconic Hermès Kelly bag, named after the actress and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, has a fascinating history. In the 1930s, Hermès first introduced the bag as a spacious and practical travel bag called the Sac à dépêches. It wasn’t until 1956, when Grace Kelly was photographed using the bag to shield her pregnancy from the paparazzi, that the bag gained widespread attention and was soon renamed the Kelly bag in her honor.
5. The Birth of the Birkin Bag
The Hermès Birkin bag, arguably the world’s most famous and sought-after handbag, has a captivating origin story. In 1981, the English actress and singer Jane Birkin found herself seated next to then-Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight from Paris to London. When Birkin’s handbag contents spilled onto the floor, the pair began discussing the lack of functional yet stylish handbags for women. Inspired by this conversation, Dumas collaborated with Birkin to create the now-iconic Birkin bag, which made its debut in 1984.
6. Hermès Silk Scarves
In addition to its legendary handbags, Hermès is also renowned for its exquisite silk scarves, first introduced in 1937. Each Hermès scarf is hand-printed and hand-rolled, taking around 18 months to produce from design to completion. With over 2,000 unique designs in its archives, Hermès continues to release new scarf collections each year, solidifying its status as a leader in luxury fashion accessories.
7. Crafting the Famous Hermès Leather Goods
Hermès is known for its uncompromising standards when it comes to the materials used in its products. The brand sources its leather from the finest tanneries in France and around the world, ensuring that only the highest quality hides are used. Each leather hide is meticulously inspected for imperfections, with only a small percentage meeting Hermès’ stringent criteria. This commitment to quality and exclusivity extends to the brand’s use of exotic leathers, such as crocodile, ostrich, and lizard, which are ethically sourced and expertly crafted by skilled artisans.
8. The Hermès Apple Watch Collaboration
In 2015, Hermès partnered with Apple to create a special edition of the Apple Watch, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovation and its willingness to embrace modern technology. The collaboration resulted in a unique fusion of classic Hermès style and cutting-edge technology, featuring the brand’s signature leather straps and custom watch faces inspired by Hermès’ iconic designs. The partnership between Hermès and Apple continues to this day, with new collections and styles being introduced regularly.
9. The Festival des Métiers
Hermès takes great pride in its artisans and their exceptional craftsmanship, and in 2011, the brand launched the Festival des Métiers to showcase its skilled craftspeople. This traveling exhibition provides a unique opportunity for the public to observe Hermès artisans at work, demonstrating the various techniques and skills involved in creating the brand’s iconic products. From leatherworking and silk printing to watchmaking and jewelry making, the Festival des Métiers offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Hermès craftsmanship.
10. The Hermès Foundation
Established in 2008, the Hermès Foundation (Fondation d’entreprise Hermès) is a testament to the brand’s commitment to supporting creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. The foundation supports a variety of initiatives and projects in the fields of visual and performing arts, design, craftsmanship, and environmental conservation. Through its numerous programs, grants, and partnerships, the Hermès Foundation aims to foster innovation, promote artistic expression, and encourage the transmission of knowledge and skills for future generations.
To conclude, Hermès is a brand that embodies luxury, tradition, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. These lesser-known facts about the company reveal the depth of its heritage and its unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and preserving its storied legacy. As Hermès continues to create timeless, iconic products that captivate the world’s wealthy elite, its status as a symbol of sophistication and prestige is sure to endure.
