Hermes is a brand that has been synonymous with luxury and sophistication for many years. The French fashion house was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermes, who started the company as a harness workshop in Paris. Over the years, the brand has expanded its product line to include everything from leather goods and fashion accessories to clothing and fragrances.
A Brief History of Hermes
Thierry Hermes began his career as an apprentice to a master harness maker in Paris. In 1837, he opened his own shop where he made and sold harnesses for horses. The business quickly grew, and by the 1850s, Hermes had established itself as one of the premier saddle makers in France.
In the late 1800s, Thierry’s son Charles-Emile took over the business and began to expand its offerings beyond just saddles. He introduced leather goods such as bags and wallets and also began to produce clothing for men.
The 20th Century
In the early 1900s, Hermes continued to expand its product line. The company began producing accessories such as scarves and ties, which became incredibly popular among both men and women.
During World War II, Hermes faced some challenges as many of its employees were drafted into military service. However, the company managed to survive thanks to the efforts of Charles-Emile’s grandchildren who took over after his death.
In the years following World War II, Hermes continued to grow and expand globally. The brand became known for its high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
TODAY
Today, Hermes is one of the most well-known luxury brands in the world. It has stores in cities around the globe including New York City, Tokyo, London, Paris, Shanghai among others.
While Hermes is known for its leather goods like Birkin bags which are highly-coveted and extremely expensive, the brand also produces clothing, jewelry, and fragrances.
The company remains a family business with Axel Dumas, a sixth-generation member of the Hermes family as its CEO.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hermes is a brand that has been around for over 180 years. It has established itself as one of the premier luxury brands in the world thanks to its high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
While it started as a harness workshop, it has since expanded its offerings to include everything from leather goods to clothing and fragrances. Today, Hermes continues to be a family-run business with a focus on quality and craftsmanship that has made it an iconic brand in the world of fashion.