Hermès History
Earlier company descriptions, brand line-ups, store counts and photographs from the history of Hermès, kept for historical reference.
← Back to the current Hermès profile
The Company Description of Its Time
Hermès, often pronounced air-mez in the historical record's helpful note, is a renowned French luxury brand known for exquisite craftsmanship, timeless designs and iconic leather goods. Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès, the brand has a rich history of catering to the world's elite and has become synonymous with sophistication and exclusivity. The founding trade is the key to everything after it: Thierry Hermès founded the company as a harness workshop in Paris in 1837, and the historical record focus was crafting high-quality saddles, bridles and equestrian gear for the French aristocracy. The brand quickly gained recognition for its craftsmanship and attention to detail - skills learned on horse tack, later applied to handbags.
Scarves, the Orange Box and Handcraft
Artistic collaboration is the second thread. Hermès has a history of collaborating with artists and designers; in the 1930s the brand worked with renowned illustrator and artist Dallet to create iconic scarf designs, and partnerships have continued with artists like Leïla Menchari and Kongo, who contributed to silk scarves and other collections. The packaging is as famous as the product: the signature orange boxes, in the distinctive colour known as Orange Hermès, are instantly recognizable, and the logo features a carriage with a horse, a nod to equestrian origins. Craftsmanship is described without compromise - the finest materials, including leather from top-tier tanneries, each item meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans who undergo extensive training.
The modern frame completes the filing. Hermès has a worldwide presence with boutiques in major cities across the globe, and its flagship store in Paris, on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, is a destination for luxury shoppers. In recent years, in the historical record, the brand has incorporated sustainability into its practices, with responsible sourcing of materials, ethical treatment of animals, and sustainable collections and initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint. The product range spans leather goods - handbags, wallets and belts - silk scarves, ready-to-wear clothing, shoes, fragrances and jewelry, with the leather handbags seen as investment pieces that retain their value over time.
More to Explore on Apparel Search
Fashion Company Names by Letter: Fashion Companies H
References & Further Reading
Looking for More Fashion Companies?
This profile is one filing in the Apparel Search company names directory. Browse the full A-to-Z listing on the Fashion Company Names directory, or shop by category in the Apparel Search shopping directory.