Alright, fashion lovers, let’s talk about the brand that screams luxury and is basically the epitome of elegance, Hermes! When you think of Hermes, the first thing that probably pops into your head is the iconic Birkin bag (and maybe a little daydream about having one in your closet, right?). But, oh honey, there’s so much more to this brand than just a famous handbag. Let’s dive into the history and evolution of Hermes and how it became the global symbol of style and craftsmanship we know today!
Inception
The above pic shows Hermes at 24 Faubourg Saint-Honoré in 1880, and a portrait of Thierry Hermes (1801-1878), founder of Hermès.
Let’s rewind all the way to 1837, yes, 1837! That’s when Hermes first stepped into the fashion scene. Founded in Paris by Thierry Hermès, it was not a luxury brand at the time but a small workshop crafting saddles and harnesses for the city’s wealthiest horse owners. We are talking about high-quality leather goods for the French elite, because even back in the 1800s, the rich needed to make a statement with their horses!
So, while you are scrolling through Instagram looking at the latest Hermes bags, just remember it all started with… horse gear!
The First Handbag
The above picture shows Emile Hermès with his four daughters, and an advertisement for golf equipment, 1929.
By the early 1900s, Hermes had evolved into a full-fledged leather goods shop, expanding beyond equestrian products. But let’s talk about the game-changer, the first bag! In 1922, Hermes created a bag designed specifically for women to carry their essentials, and from there, the journey towards the handbag empire began.
1937 - First Silk Scarf
In 1937, a little chic revolution took place in the world of fashion, and it came in the form of a silk scarf. Hermes, the iconic luxury brand, introduced the Jeu des Omnibus et Dames Blanches, the very first of its now legendary silk scarves. This beautiful piece was the brainchild of Robert Dumas, the son-in-law of Emile Hermes and little did anyone know, it was the start of something that would change the way we think about scarves forever.
What makes this scarf extra special? It wasn’t just a scarf; it was a statement. Back in the day, scarves were mostly just functional accessories, but Dumas and Hermes had a different vision. They wanted to create something wearable, artistic, and luxurious—all at once. The Jeu des Omnibus et Dames Blanches was a whimsical design inspired by the lively Parisian Street scenes and the charm of the bustling public transport system. It featured playful motifs that blended history, artistry, and a bit of fun.
Since then, the Hermes silk scarf has evolved into a coveted collector’s item. It’s not just a piece of fabric; it’s a timeless treasure that transcends seasons, trends, and even generations. And while the designs have expanded to include everything from equestrian themes to intricate patterns inspired by nature, architecture, and even famous artists, that first scarf is what started the magic. A perfect example of how a simple piece of fabric can capture the essence of luxury, history, and culture.
Each Hermes scarf carries with it a sense of elegance, a nod to tradition, and a sprinkle of whimsy; the kind of accessory that can instantly elevate any outfit and make you feel like you are strolling down the streets of Paris, regardless of where you are in the world.
So next time you tie one around your neck or let it flutter in the wind, just remember: you are not just wearing a scarf. You are wrapping yourself in nearly 90 years of style, craftsmanship, and a little piece of fashion history.
1950’s Era
The Kelly Bag, named after Grace Kelly, the Hollywood icon (yes, the one who was also a real-life princess), hit the scene in the 1950s, cementing Hermes’ status as a global luxury brand.
This was just the beginning! Hermes wasn’t content just being a bag maker, though. It ventured into other accessories, apparel, fragrances, and even home goods. Every item had that signature Hermes touch, meticulous craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and a style that just never goes out of fashion. You could say it has pretty much mastered the art of timeless elegance.
1967 – The Era of Famous H Buckle
In 1967, the fashion world experienced a major shake-up, and it was all thanks to the fabulous Catherine de Károlyi (who was hired by Hermes). This Hungarian-born stylist wasn’t just a talent, she was a force of nature. With her bold, fearless vision, she dove headfirst into designing women’s wardrobes, quickly becoming the creative genius behind a dazzling mix of clothing and accessories that would define a whole new era.
Her work was nothing short of extraordinary, and soon, everyone was lining up to wear what she dreamed up. Over the next 13 years, from 1967 to 1980, her innovative designs took the fashion scene by storm, with one of her most iconic creations being the now-legendary H buckle. Her work was more than just fashion, it was a revolution, adding a chic and contemporary twist to classic styles that spoke to women everywhere. Catherine Karolyi didn’t just design clothes; she crafted a lasting legacy that would inspire and influence the world of fashion for decades to come!
The Birkin Takes Over
Fast forward to 1984, and bam, enter the Birkin bag, the holy grail of fashion! How did it all begin? A total accidental moment between Hermes CEO Jean-Louis Dumas and the fabulous actress Jane Birkin. Picture this: Jane’s on a plane, struggling to find a bag that’s both functional and chic (I mean, we have all been there, right?). And voila, the Birkin bag was born. Spacious, sturdy, and with a price tag that could make your jaw drop. It quickly became the must-have accessory for anyone. And today, it’s not just a bag, it’s THE bag, the symbol of ultimate luxury, style, and status. Oh, and did we mention, it’s iconic!
History of Creative Directors
Now, let’s dive into the minds behind this fashion powerhouse. Hermes’ journey from a humble saddlery to the luxury giant it is today wouldn’t have been possible without the visionary leadership of its directors. Let’s talk about some of the key figures who helped steer this ship into the glamorous waters of global luxury.
Jean-Louis Dumas
If you have ever marvelled at the beauty and sophistication of Hermes products, you can thank Jean-Louis Dumas, who served from 1978 to 2006. Under his leadership, Hermes flourished like never before, not only preserving its heritage but also creating some of the most iconic products we associate with the brand today.
But perhaps most importantly, Dumas maintained a delicate balance between heritage and modernity. He ensured Hermes stuck to its artisanal, family-owned values while embracing global demand—an extraordinary feat in the luxury industry.
Pierre-Alexis Dumas
In 2005, Pierre-Alexis Dumas, the sixth-generation heir to the Hermes legacy and son of the legendary Jean-Louis Dumas, stepped into the role of Artistic Director at Hermes, and boy, did he bring the house to life! With a fresh burst of creativity, Dumas didn’t just uphold Hermes’ rich heritage but injected it with a whole new wave of imagination and innovation. Under his leadership, Hermes didn’t just stay in its luxurious lane; it ventured boldly into exciting new territories, turning heads and reshaping the luxury landscape.
One of his boldest moves was expanding Hermès’ expertise beyond leather goods and scarves. In 2010, Dumas introduced the brand’s first Haute Bijouterie collection. And when we say ‘Haute’, we mean it—this wasn’t just any jewellery collection. It was a breathtaking showcase of craftsmanship, elegance, and artistry, cementing Hermès as a major force in the luxury jewellery world. But Dumas wasn’t done yet. In 2011, he broke even more boundaries by introducing home furnishing fabrics and wallpaper into the Hermes world.
Yes, you read that right, Hermes’ home décor. But these weren’t your run-of-the-mill fabrics and wallpaper. These were Hermes’ creations designed to transform any space into a work of art, making sure every corner of your home could radiate luxury and style.
But if you are looking for a real game-changer, look no further than the Apple Watch Hermes of 2015. Dumas pulled off a feat that seemed almost impossible: he brought together Hermes’ traditional, timeless craftsmanship and Apple’s cutting-edge, tech-forward vision in one sleek, stylish package. It was a match made in innovation heaven. The result? A smartwatch that wasn’t just functional, but one that was dripping with the kind of style and elegance you would expect from Hermes. Who knew tech and luxury could blend so seamlessly?
Dumas has always been a visionary, constantly finding new ways to evolve the brand while staying true to its roots. He’s pushed Hermes into new, exciting realms, from jewellery to home decor to tech, all while keeping the brand’s commitment to exquisite craftsmanship and timeless design front and centre. With each new project, Dumas proves that when your part of the Hermes family, the future is always just as elegant and bold as the past.
Axel Dumas
Now, the reins of Hermes are in the hands of Axel Dumas, the great-great-grandson of the brand’s founder, Thierry Hermes, and the current CEO since 2014. And if you thought the legacy of Hermes couldn’t get any more iconic, think again! Axel has masterfully woven together the brand’s rich history with a fresh, forward-thinking vision that has kept Hermes at the forefront of luxury while staying true to its roots.
Under Axel’s leadership, Hermes has stayed committed to its timeless craftsmanship and family-driven values. But what’s truly impressive is how Axel has also embraced the modern world, guiding the brand into the future without sacrificing an ounce of elegance. His approach has been about finding that sweet spot, honouring the past while moving Hermes forward, ensuring it remains relevant and coveted in today’s marketplace.
What really sets Axel apart is his forward-thinking focus on sustainability. While Hermes is known for its luxury, Axel has made sure that the brand stays ahead of the curve in terms of eco-consciousness. The brand has made impressive strides to reduce its environmental footprint, adopting eco-friendly production methods, which is not only a win for the planet but also a brilliant move in a world where consumers are increasingly mindful of their environmental impact.
So, whether it’s crafting their iconic leather goods or pioneering sustainable practices, Axel Dumas has firmly positioned Hermes as a brand that stands the test of time, and continues to evolve with grace, style, and responsibility. With him at the helm, it’s clear: the future of Hermes is in good hands!
