The history of the Hermès brand

The history of the Hermès brand this is a unique story. In the light of today’s fashion world, where companies come and go at a rapid pace, there are unique fashion houses that have stood the test of time. Standing out among them is Hermès, which has been winning the hearts of fashion and aesthetic connoisseurs around the world for over two centuries. Initially specializing in the production of high-quality horse harnesses, it quickly gained recognition for the perfection of workmanship and the unrivaled quality of its products.

Since that humble beginning, Hermès has evolved into an extraordinary fashion house that has become synonymous with luxury, elegance and unique style. We invite you to explore the extraordinary history of the Hermès brand, traveling through the centuries that have carved it out as one of the most recognizable players in the world. This journey through history is not only a story of craftsmanship excellence, but also of a constant pursuit of innovation and adaptation to changing times.

Craft beginnings

The history of the Hermès brand reaches deep into the 19th century, to the Parisian atelier founded by Thierry Hermès in 1837. However, let’s go back even further to 1801, when Thierry was born in Krefeld. He came from a family of French Protestants who had found refuge in Germany from religious persecution three centuries earlier. Raised in the spirit of Calvinism, he believed that the path to wealth leads through diligence and reliability. However, he left his homeland quite late, when he was 30. It was then that he decided to go to Paris, where he set out on the path that would bring him success.

After settling in France, he started manufacturing and trading activities, specializing in products for horses, such as saddles or harnesses. In 1837, he founded his own company in Paris, the name of which came from his surname and from the mythological Hermes, the messenger of the gods. Reaching for etymology, Hermès, as we know, was the patron saint of wanderers, who thanks to magic sandals could travel around the world. This reference to mythology was a perfect analogy to the company’s activities, which were also related to movement.

The history of the Hermès brand: New challenges, new directions

Hermès quickly found its place in the world of elegance and prestige, offering its l luxury crafts with solid workmanship and innovative solutions. When he founded the company in 1837, traveling by horse, carriage and carriage was common, which contributed to the rapid interest in the products. Their high quality and exceptional technical thought even gained recognition at the World Exhibition in 1867. There, the company was awarded the First Class Medal. The clients included famous personalities, such as the Russian Tsar Alexander II, who purchased saddles from Hermès.

After the death of the legendary founder, the company was taken over by his son, and then by his grandsons Adolphe and Émile-Maurice Hermès, who faced new trends. With the advent of cars, the company’s activities also changed. Adolphe and Émile-Maurice Hermès moved the workshop to the rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré, where the company is still located today. To meet the changing needs of customers, they introduced the first leather collection of suitcases, briefcases and handbags, as well as small leather goods, riding clothing, watches and jewelry.

Adolphe and Émile-Maurice Hermès pioneered the European market by introducing zippers for leather goods. This earned them a reputation as the creators of “fermature Hermès”. The first leather jacket fastened with a zipper was created in 1918. Their innovative approach also resulted in iconic products such as silk scarves. The first one was made from leftover lining, but over time the brand introduced as many as 2.5 thousand patterns. Luxurious scarves quickly gained popularity among style icons such as Audrey Hepburn Whether Jacqueline Kennedy.

A unique brand identity

Brand history Hermes also has visual aspects that play a key role in its recognition and prestige. An important element is the logo design, which is not only a hallmark, but also a reflection of the brand’s philosophy and values. It is a manifestation of extraordinary beauty, craftsmanship and unique aesthetics, of which the Hermès brand is an ambassador.

The Hermès logo shows a horse-drawn carriage visible on the right, complemented by the figure of a man standing opposite. The whole thing is in orange on a white background, which gives it an elegant and sophisticated character. Underneath the graphic there is characteristic typography with the company name, which complements the composition and adds prestige. The inspiration for this unique logo was a graphic by Alfred de Dreux, which Émile-Maurice Hermès purchased in the 1920s. This delicate gesture became the foundation for today’s Hermès logo, which symbolizes the harmony between tradition and modernity, elegance and innovation.

The history of the Hermès brand today

Nevertheless, Hermès did not stop at the achievements of the past. It remains true to its roots while constantly introducing innovations that keep the brand current. From silk scarves that have been delighting with their subtle elegance for years, to the iconic Birkin bags. Each Hermès product is an expression not only of craftsmanship excellence, but also of a unique style that speaks to the highest aesthetic standards.

Today, the Hermès brand is not only legendary products, but also a comprehensive offer including clothing, jewelry, Watches and accessories. All these elements are carefully designed and made with the utmost attention to detail, meeting the expectations of the most demanding customers. Hermès has become a symbol of prestige and luxury, whose name is synonymous with perfection and high quality. Despite the expansion into new markets and the expansion of the product range, this premium brand remains true to its original mission. It still continues its legacy as a true legend of contemporary fashion, whose name arouses admiration and respect among lovers of elegance and style.