With its 180-year-old history, the name Hermès echoes beyond the luxury scene. Tied to its reputation for quality products and exclusivity, the French house has become a status symbol for the style-conscious. But how did it gain this revered standing in the first place?
Ahead, get to know all about the storied name in luxury in our comprehensive guide.
Table of Contents:
- Hermès History
- Hermès Métiers
- Hermès Creative Directors
- Exclusivity of Hermès
- Most Iconic Hermès Bags
- Most Iconic Hermès Shoes
- Filipino Celebrities Wearing Hermès
The History and Six Generations of Hermes
Before the French house earned its name in refined luxury for six generations, Hermès’ story began when founder Thierry Hermès, a harness maker, opened a workshop in Paris’ rue Basse-du-Rempart in 1837. The label’s standard for fine craftsmanship was already gaining ground in its riding gear that embodied discreet finesse and endurance, which earned it a technical award at the Universal Exhibition of 1867.
In 1880, Thierry’s son Charles-Émile Hermès took over the growing brand, moving the workshops to 24 Faubourg Saint-Honoré, where it opened a store that still exists to this day. The brand’s reputation soon grew and spread to the elite of Europe. In 1900, Charles-Émile and his sons designed the Haut a Courroies bag for riders to carry saddles.
In the interwar period of 1922, Charles-Émile’s son Émile Hermès had already taken the mantle of the house’s management. A trip to Canada transformed Hermès’ offerings, where Émile took a fascination with the American “close-all” opening and closing system of a military car’s hood. During that year, Émile obtained the exclusive rights to what is now known as the zipper, which was then used in Hermès bags.
In the 1920s, the house widened its horizon beyond equestrianism, including the first men’s ready-to-wear garment, the golf jacket, followed by jewelry in 1927, and watches and sandals in 1928.
In 1937, the house offered one of its emblematic products–the silk scarf, which was designed by the son-in-law of Émile, Robert Dumas. He would later take the reins of the brand in 1951. During Robert’s tenure, the house saw many of its most iconic pieces, including the Kelly bag and the Chaîne d’ancre bracelet. It was in the 1950s that the brand began to use its iconic orange boxes.
In 1967, the first women’s ready-to-wear collection was launched by Catherine Karolyi, who became the designer of the house’s clothing and accessories—including the “H” buckle—until 1980.
A few years later in 1978, Robert Dumas’ son, Jean-Louis Dumas, took over the company. In his tenure, Hermès embraced new métiers, such as watchmaking, shoe manufacturing, and integrated Puiforcat silversmiths in 1993 and the Saint-Louis crystalworks in 1995.
In 2005, the sixth generation member Pierre-Alexis Dumas, son of Jean-Louis, took on the mantle as the artistic director of Hermès. Pierre-Alexis continues to bear the title today and expanding the legacy with innovations, including the Haute Bijouterie collection in 2010, Hermès’ first home furnishing fabrics and wallpapers, and a collaboration with Apple for the Apple Watch Hermès’ in 2015.
The Hermes Métiers
The house of Hermès currently comprises 16 métiers, which is defined as a “trade, profession, or occupation.” In the context of the luxury brand, these métiers highlight the exceptional know-how poured into each, which, according to the house, work in creative freedom that is guided by a theme that nourishes the entire brand.
- Leather goods and equestrian
- Women's silk
- Men's silk
- Women's ready-to-wear
- Men's ready-to-wear
- Shoes
- Belts
- Hats
- Gloves
- Jewelry
- Watchmaking
- Perfumes
- Beauty
- Furniture and Art de vivre
- Tableware
- petit h
Hermes Creative Directors
Under the artistic direction of Pierre-Alexis Dumas, the current lineup of Hermès’ creative directors each helm a métier.
- Pierre-Alexis Dumas - Artistic Director of Hermès
- Axel de Beaufort - Creative Director of Hermès Horizons
- Philippe Delhotal - Creation and Development Director of Hermès Horloger
- Christophe Goineau - Creative Director of men’s silk
- Pierre Hardy - Creative Director of the shoe and jewelry collections
- Charlotte Macaux Perelman and Alexis Fabry - Artistic Directors of the home universe
- Christine Nagel - Director of Olfactory Creation for Hermès Parfums
- Véronique Nichanian - Artistic Director of the men’s universe
- Cécile Pesce - Creative Director of women’s silk
- Nadège Vanhée-Cybulski - Artistic Director of women’s ready-to-wear
- Godefroy de Virieu - Creative Director of petit h
- Clémande Burgevin Blachman - Creative Director of fashion accessories
- Gregoris Pyrpylis - creative director of Hermès Beauty
The Exclusivity of Hermes
Throughout its rich storied history, Hermès is synonymous with meticulous craftsmanship. The house prides itself on enduring quality that adheres to its long-standing tradition when creating. This includes the use of rare resources and the painstaking process that occurs with each piece’s creation, which can take several months to complete. To ensure that products pass the Hermès standards, Pierre-Alexis Dumas still signs off every single product that leaves its workshop.
Because of this, the traditional craftsmanship contributes to the exclusivity known to the Hermès brand. In its long existence, Hermès has avoided being depicted as “mass-market luxury” or even “premium luxury.” The brand leans into its “ultra-premium luxury” status, due to the fact that each artisan is making a seemingly custom product for each Hermès client, making quality products that are all rare and not easily available.
Click here to read more about the exclusivity of Hermès.
The Most Iconic Hermes Bags
With its exclusivity and lifetime quality, an Hermès bag has become a sought-after sartorial badge of honor. The bags’ rarity has many luxury enthusiasts strategizing simply just to acquire one, as getting an Hermès bag isn’t as easy as simply walking into a store–more often than not, interested buyers may have to shell out for other products first.
Looking to invest in an Hermès bag? Here are the most iconic pieces in its catalog.
Birkin
Before it landed its status as a household name in luxury bags, the concept of the Birkin began when Jean-Louis Dumas met French actress and singer Jane Birkin on a flight in 1981. The it-girl longed for a bag that could house all her essentials, birthing the Birkin, one of the most sought-after pieces that flaunts rare materials and fine craftsmanship. One bag can be priced for millions of pesos, while certain iterations, such as the Himalayan Birkin, fetched P21 million at an auction.
Birkin Retourne in Black, resells for $35,640 (approximately P1,997,000), HERMÈS, matchesfashion.com
Kelly
In 1935, Hermès launched the Sac a depeches bag. The iconic piece would soon be renamed the Kelly in 1956, when a photo of Hollywood actress turned Monaco princess Grace Kelly was snapped on the cover of a magazine, shielding her pregnant belly with the bag in question. The Kelly is functional and timeless style at its finest, featuring a top handle and a straight, rectangular design.
Mini Kelly 20 2-Way in Red Croc-Skin, €84,033 (approximately P5,100,000), HERMÈS, farfetch.com
Constance
Designed by Hermès craftswoman Catherine Chaillet in 1967, the Constance–named after her daughter–is among one of the three most distinguishable bags in the Hermès roster. The bag is recognizable for its signature “H” clasp and was often seen in the arms of U.S. first lady Jackie Kennedy.
Constance 18, $20,375 (approximately P1,145,580), HERMÈS, farfetch.com
Click here for a list of the best Hermès bags to buy.
The Most Iconic Hermes Shoes
Owing to its top-notch leather goods, the Hermès brand also offers its line of quality designer footwear. Among the top picks include its fine sandals, which boast its signature standard made by master artisans.
Oran
First conceptualized in 1997 by shoe designer Pierre Hardy, the Oran sandal is a classic among the brand’s footwear catalog, with its no-nonsense silhouette designed to be “like a bare foot with something painted on it.” With its recognizable “H” cutout and minimalist design, the sandals make for a timeless piece.
Oran Sandal, $760 (approximately P43,000), HERMÈS, hermes.com
Takara
The brand’s take on the functional sandal trend is realized in the Takara, a pragmatic pair made in calfskin with raw-edged detail, which comes with an adjustable back strap and anatomical sole.
Takara Sandal, £670 (approximately P48,000), HERMÈS, hermes.com
Alma
Fusing its loafer staple, the Alma is a heeled sandal that highlights the quintessential “H” logo, topped with a fringe detail.
Alma Sandal, £890 (approx. P64,000), HERMÈS, hermes.com
Click here for a list of the best Hermès shoes to buy.
Filipino Celebrities Wearing Hermes
Heart Evangelista
When it comes to Hermès stylistas, Heart Evangelista shouldn’t be amiss. The style maven and actress is one of the first Filipinas to own the rare Himalayan Birkin, which is one in her collection of many pieces from the luxury brand.
Jinkee Pacquiao
Socialite Jinkee Pacquiao holds a varied selection of Hermès pieces in her closet, including the rarest items. Apart from the Birkin, she also favors the Kelly in several iterations, including the red croc-skin edition.
Kelsey Merritt
Filipina Victoria’s Secret angel Kelsey Merritt aced the quiet luxury trend with her subtle style in Paris, which she punctuated by accessorizing with a Constance bag.
Marian Rivera
Primetime queen Marian Rivera loves a good Hermès bag on her arm. Included in her wide collection are several Birkins, such as one in an Etoupe Togo variation.
Sarah Lahbati
Aside from its muted shades, Hermès picks can also come in loud, bright shades. Take actress Sarah Lahbati’s Oran sandals for example, which serves a pop of color with her white ensemble.
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