Hermès

In 1786, the ship Frau Metta Catharina sank, leading to its eventual discovery in the 1970s by the English marine archeology society. The wreckage contained rolls of leather in pristine condition.

Thierry Hermès established a harness workshop in Paris, specializing in high-quality wrought harnesses and bridles for European noblemen. The company later expanded to offer a variety of luxury goods.

Thierry Hermès showcased his artistry and technical ingenuity in crafting wrought harnesses and bridles, earning him the First Class Medal at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1855.

Thierry Hermès' exceptional craftsmanship in creating high-quality leather goods was recognized with the award of the First Class Medal at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1867.

On the 10th of January 1878, Thierry Hermès passed away in Neuilly-sur-Seine, leaving the successful harness business to his grandsons, Adolphe and Émile-Maurice Hermès, marking a generational shift in the company's leadership.

In 1880, Charles-Emile Hermes, the son of Hermes, assumed control of his father's workshop and relocated it to 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore. He shifted the focus towards international retail sales, catering to the elite clientele from various continents.

In 1900, the Hermès brothers introduced the Haute-à-Courroies bag, later known as the HAC Birkin bag, which marked the beginning of a new era in fashion, luxury goods, and equestrianism. The bag was specifically designed to cater to the needs of riders for transporting saddlery during travel.

In 1902, Charles-Emile retired, passing on the business to his sons Adolphe and Emile-Maurice, who then renamed it Hermes Freres, meaning Hermes Brothers.

Émile-Maurice Hermès was granted exclusive rights to use the zipper for leather goods and clothing, introducing the device in France. This led to the zipper being known as the 'fermeture Hermès' in the country.

Émile-Maurice, the younger brother, solidified his influence in Hermès history, ensuring the brand's dominance in the luxury market sector.

In 1922, the first leather handbags were introduced by Emile-Maurice after his wife expressed dissatisfaction with the available options. The design was a smaller version of the 'Haut a Courroies' and was personally created by Emile-Maurice.

In 1924, Hermès expanded globally by establishing their first international presence in the United States, showcasing their luxury goods to a wider audience.

In 1929, Hermes introduced the first women's couture apparel collection, which included bathing outfits and was showcased in Paris, marking a significant milestone in the brand's fashion offerings.

Around 1930, the Birkin bag was created and gained its name when Grace Kelly used it as a shield against the paparazzi. It became famous after being featured on the cover of Time magazine. Known for its perfect design and the renowned clasp by Hermes.

In 1935, Hermès introduced the Sac-à-Depêches, later known as the Kelly bag, which became an iconic and highly sought-after accessory in the fashion world.

In 1937, Hermès introduced the iconic scarf or carré, starting with a custom-made accessory named 'Jeu des Omnibus et Dames Blanches'. The scarves were meticulously produced with high-quality silk and intricate designs.

In 1938, Hermes added the Chaine d'ancre bracelet and the riding jacket to their classic collection, while also drawing inspiration from various sources like books and art objects.

In 1939, Hermès introduced the Chaîne d’Ancre bracelet, featuring an interlocking chain pattern with the capital 'H', which became a timeless symbol of the brand's aesthetic and is still popular today.

In 1950, Hermes established its perfume division, marking a significant expansion of the brand's product line.

In 1951, Robert Dumas assumed leadership at Hermès, bringing creativity and innovation. His tenure saw the introduction of the first silk scarf, the iconic "Chaîne d'ancre" bracelet, and the renowned Hermès Kelly bag.

In 1957, Hermès introduced the iconic 'Brides de Gala' scarf design, which became one of the most popular motifs with over 70,000 reproductions. This design contributed to the brand's scarf legacy.

Originally used in the days of horse and carriage to hold hay for horses, the Trim bag was re-visited by Hermes in 1958 and transformed into a ladies' holdall. The fashion house also redesigned the original hook into a belt buckle.

The Hermès Constance Bag was introduced in 1959 by designer Catherine Chaillet, who named it after her daughter Constance. It features a distinctive H-shaped fastener and an adjustable strap for versatile wearing options.

President John F. Kennedy favored the Sac à dépêches, which also contributed to the fame of Hermès. Although not the sole reason for Hermès' fame, Kennedy's preference added to the brand's reputation.

Jean-Louis Dumas led the brand to supreme luxury fashion landscape by introducing La Montre Hermès and the iconic Hermès Birkin. His leadership marked a new era of creation and success for the label.

The iconic Birkin bag was introduced in 1981, named after British actress Jane Birkin after a chance encounter the year before.

In 1983, Jane Birkin sat beside Jean Louis Dumas, the director of Hermes, on a flight to London from Paris. She expressed the need for a bag with enough pockets to hold all her papers. The Bolide bag, known for its strength and beauty, became one of the most sought after designs in the world.

The Hermès Birkin bag was introduced in 1984 and became one of the brand's most famous and exclusive luxury handbags. It was inspired by Jane Birkin and solidified the Hermès name.

In 1997, Hermès appointed Martin Margiela as the head of its ready-to-wear department, marking a significant shift towards innovation and contemporary fashion, which proved to be a successful move for the brand.

In 1998, Martin Margiela becomes the women’s ready-to-wear designer at Hermès, bringing his unique style to the brand's collections. His tenure marked a significant period in Hermès' fashion history.

After Martin Margiela's departure in 2003, Jean-Paul Gaultier assumed the role of creative director at Hermès. During his tenure, he reimagined the iconic Birkin and Kelly handbags, creating the Shoulder Birkin and Shoulder Kelly.

The Paris-Bombay bag, designed by Frederic Vidal, features handles on the smaller sides allowing the bag to fold in on itself. It is opened by holding the Hermes saddle rivet with thumb and index-finger, becoming one of the fashion house's biggest success stories.

The "Petit h" collection was launched under the leadership of Pascale Mussard with a focus on sustainability and planet solidarity, incorporating new wave elements while honoring the brand's heritage and luxury.

In 2010, Christophe Lemaire took over as head designer for Hermès ready-to-wear, bringing a minimalist approach and easy luxury to the brand, streamlining its aesthetic and setting the stage for future creative directions.

In 2012, Axel Dumas, a sixth-generation member of the Hermès family, was appointed as the CEO of the company and continues to hold the position.

Axel Dumas, nephew of Pierre-Alexis Dumas, was appointed as the director of the Hermès brand, continuing the legacy within the family.

In 2020, Hermès expanded its product lines by introducing the 'Rouge Hermès' collection in the Beauty sector, showcasing the brand's commitment to innovation and growth.

SACLÀB collaborated with Chronext to create a special collection of tote bags made from exotic leather, with prices ranging from under €3,000 to under €12,000.

In 2022, Hermès released the Birkin 25 made of Togo leather in a vibrant Orange color. The luxurious bag was priced at $22,650.

The event showcases the legendary history and iconic creations of Hermès, a renowned luxury fashion brand. It delves into the heritage and artisan designs that have defined the brand over the years.

Hermès is celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship, luxurious materials, and extravagant designs. Despite its iconic status in the fashion industry, many are unaware of its rich history. Delve into the unparalleled story of Hermès.