Is Hermes a French Brand?

Hermes, the luxury fashion brand known for its iconic Birkin bags and silk scarves, is often associated with France. But is Hermes actually a French brand? The answer may surprise you.

The Origins of Hermes

Hermes was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermes in Paris, France. Initially, the brand specialized in crafting high-quality harnesses and bridles for horses. However, over time, Hermes expanded into creating leather goods such as handbags and wallets.

The Global Presence of Hermes

Today, Hermes has a global presence with stores located all around the world. In addition to its headquarters in Paris, the brand has manufacturing facilities in various countries including Spain and Italy. It also sources materials from other countries such as Switzerland for its watchmaking division.

The Ownership of Hermes

Despite being founded in France, the ownership of Hermes is not entirely French. In 2010, French luxury conglomerate LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton attempted to acquire a controlling stake in the brand. However, this move was met with resistance from members of the Hermes family who still owned a significant portion of the company’s shares.

The Shareholders of Hermes

As of 2021, approximately 80% of Hermes shares are still held by members of the founding family. This means that even though LVMH owns a minority stake in the company, it does not have control over its operations.

  • Emile-Maurice Hermès – Chairman until 1951
  • Robert Dumas-Hermès – Chairman from 1951 to 1978
  • Jean-Louis Dumas – Chairman from 1978 to 2006
  • Axel Dumas – Current CEO since 2013

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Hermes was founded in France and still maintains its headquarters there, the ownership of the brand is not solely French. With a global presence and shareholders from around the world, Hermes can be considered an international brand with a rich history rooted in French craftsmanship.