What Is the History of the Hermes Logo?

The Hermes logo is one of the most recognizable and iconic logos in the world. It is a simple yet elegant design that has stood the test of time. The origin of the logo can be traced back to the rich history of Hermes, a luxury fashion brand that has been around for over 180 years.

The Founding of Hermes

Hermes was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès, a Frenchman who had originally started making harnesses and saddles for horses. The brand quickly gained popularity among the wealthy Parisian elite, and soon began producing other luxury goods such as leather handbags, wallets, and clothing.

The First Hermes Logo

The first Hermes logo was created in 1950 by Robert Dumas, who was then the head of the company. The logo featured a Duc carriage with a horse, which was a nod to the brand’s roots in equestrianism. This logo was used for over two decades before it was eventually retired in 1971.

The Birth of the Current Logo

In 1971, Hermes introduced its current logo: a simple but elegant image of a horse and carriage. This logo was designed by Pierre-Alexis Dumas, who was Robert Dumas’ successor as head of the company. The new logo represented a shift away from equestrianism towards more general luxury goods.

The Meaning Behind the Logo

The horse and carriage logo represents elegance, sophistication, and luxury. It is also a nod to Hermes’ history as a maker of harnesses and saddles for horses. The design is simple yet powerful, conveying both tradition and modernity.

Evolution of the Logo

Over time, there have been minor tweaks to the Hermes logo. For example, in 1997, it was slightly modified to make the horse and carriage appear more dynamic and fluid. However, the core design has remained largely unchanged for over 50 years.

The Hermes Logo Today

Today, the Hermes logo is one of the most recognizable in the world. It is a symbol of luxury, quality, and craftsmanship. The brand has expanded beyond its original offerings of leather goods to include fragrances, jewelry, watches, and even home decor.

In Conclusion

The history of the Hermes logo is a testament to the power of simple yet elegant design. The horse and carriage logo has become synonymous with luxury and prestige.

Its evolution over time reflects both continuity with tradition and an openness to change. As Hermes continues to innovate and expand its offerings, it will be interesting to see how its iconic logo continues to evolve along with it.