Hermès Paris: a Story of Timeless French Craftsmanship

Hermès is a legendary French luxury brand known for its exceptional craftsmanship, timeless design, and unparalleled quality in leather goods, accessories, and fashion. The brand’s iconic pieces, like the Birkin and Kelly handbags, are not just accessories but coveted status symbols that represent ultimate luxury, exclusivity, and meticulous artisanal skill.

Each Hermès item is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans, often taking hours or even days to complete, which contributes to its astronomical value and desirability among fashion lovers and collectors. Beyond its products, Hermès embodies a rich heritage dating back to 1837, maintaining a reputation for understated elegance, exceptional materials, and a commitment to traditional craftsmanship that transcends fleeting fashion trends.

History of the Hermès Brand

Hermès was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès, who originally established a harness workshop in Paris that crafted high-quality leather riding gear for European nobility. The workshop quickly gained a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, serving prestigious clients like European royalty and producing meticulously designed equestrian accessories.

In 1880, Thierry’s son Charles Hermès expanded the business by moving to 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris – a location that remains the brand’s flagship store to this day.

The company transitioned from exclusively making horse equipment to broader leather goods and accessories in the early 20th century. In 1922, Émile-Maurice Hermès (Charles’s son) introduced the first handbag after his wife complained about not finding a suitable leather bag. This marked a pivotal moment, leading to the brand’s expansion into fashion accessories.

The famous Hermès silk scarves were introduced in 1937, quickly becoming a global symbol of luxury and refined taste.

By the 1950s, the brand had begun its transformation into a global luxury fashion house. The iconic Kelly bag (originally called the Sac à dépêches) was renamed after Grace Kelly famously used it to shield her pregnancy from paparazzi in 1956, which dramatically increased the bag’s popularity.

The even more legendary Birkin bag was created in 1984, inspired by actress Jane Birkin, and has since become one of the most coveted and expensive handbags in the world.

Today, Hermès remains a family-controlled business, maintaining its commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, with each item still handmade by skilled artisans. The company continues to be a symbol of ultimate luxury, known for its rigorous quality standards, limited production, and timeless design aesthetic that transcends passing fashion trends.

What to Buy From Hermès

For first-time Hermès buyers, silk scarves or smaller leather goods are great entry points to experience the brand’s quality without the massive investment of a Birkin or Kelly bag.

Silk Scarves

Silk Scarves (Carrés): These 90×90 cm square silk scarves are perhaps the most accessible Hermès luxury item. Each scarf features intricate, hand-drawn designs that tell a unique story, with collectors and fashion lovers treasuring them as both accessories and art pieces.

Iconic Pieces

Here are the most iconic Hermès items to consider buying once you’ve become familiar with the brand:

Birkin Bag: The ultimate status symbol, this handcrafted leather handbag is arguably Hermès’ most famous product. Prices range from $10,000 to over $500,000 for rare editions, and each bag is individually handmade by a single artisan, often with a multi-year waiting list.

Kelly Bag: Named after Grace Kelly, this structured handbag is another legendary Hermès accessory. It features a distinctive trapezoid shape and can be transformed from a handbag to a shoulder bag, representing timeless elegance and craftsmanship.

Evelyne Bag: A more casual, crossbody leather bag with a perforated H logo, perfect for everyday luxury. It’s less formal than the Birkin or Kelly but still carries the Hermès prestige.