Hermès

Hermès began in 1837 when Thierry Hermès opened a harness workshop in Paris, crafting bridles and saddles for the carriage trade. The house’s dual thread of meticulous craftsmanship and sensitivity to clients’ lifestyles guided its evolution: Thierry’s son Charles‑Émile moved the workshop to rue du Faubourg Saint‑Honoré and opened a store in 1880, while later generations diversified into leather goods, silk scarves, jewellery, watches and ready‑to‑wear. Iconic creations such as the Kelly handbag and carré silk scarf showcased the maison’s ability to combine functional design with refined artistry.

Today Hermès remains family‑owned and independent, operating numerous métiers — from perfumery to furniture — and employing thousands of artisans primarily in France.

The company’s longevity owes much to its uncompromising commitment to quality and innovation. Emile Hermès introduced zippers to leather goods in 1922, and his descendants established subsidiaries like La Montre Hermès for watches and developed the Birkin bag in 1984, a piece handmade by a single craftsperson over many hours  Despite global expansion, Hermès maintains workshops near its markets, invests in training schools and preserves rare crafts.

Its dedication to sustainable materials and partnerships with environmental initiatives demonstrates a forward‑looking approach even as it draws on a rich heritage.

Hermès’ philosophy revolves around craftsmanship, human values and a balance between tradition and innovation.

Hermès also prioritises social and environmental responsibility. More than 60 workshops and training schools preserve savoir‑faire, create local jobs and transmit skills to new generations. The company participates in programmes such as Act4Nature International and Science‑Based Targets for Nature, aiming to reduce its ecological footprint and ensure responsible sourcing .

Its commitment to independence enables long‑term thinking: Hermès refuses aggressive expansion or licensing, opting instead to nurture artisanal métiers and explore new creative avenues. The maison’s guiding belief is that true luxury is sustainable, respectful and imaginative, producing objects that age beautifully and enrich the lives of those who use them.