The name Hermes today conjures up images of Birkinsscarves and the ultimate status, but few know that it all started with a horse (or rather, saddling one). Thierry Hermèsborn in 1801 in Krefeld, Germany, was a master of leatherworking. When he opened his first store in 1837 Paris opened, he focused entirely on making saddles and harness for horses. And not just for the average farmer, but for the elite and royal families of Europe.
He delivered his craft products to the French aristocracy, the English high societyand even the Russian Tsars. Hermès quickly became known for its extraordinary craftsmanshipwhere each piece was made with precision and perfection was the goal.
This is how Thierry Hermès started
Thierry Hermès started small, but his passion for luxury and functionality soon made his work beloved by the wealthiest people in Europe. The focus was on carriages and all things horse-related, but his saddles were more than just utilitarian objects. They were elegant, handcrafted, and designed to ensure the comfort not only of the horse, but also of the rider. Thierry was determined to be the best at what he did, and that is still evident in the DNA of Hermès today.
From horses to luxury
When Thierry died in 1878, his sons and grandchildren passed it on family business a new twist. They expanded the range with everything the chic traveler needed: luxury suitcasesleather accessoriesand finally handbags. Originally designed to transport saddles, the ‘Haut à Courroies’ became an iconic fashion item and the forerunner of the now legendary Birkin bagThe brand transformed from a saddlery for horses into a full-fledged luxury brand for people with a passion for refinement and detail.
Émile-Maurice Hermès: the architect of the new Hermès
A crucial role in the transformation of Hermes was played by Emile MauriceThierry’s grandson, who took the company to new heights. During a trip to America, he discovered the row – something that was completely new in Europe at the time – and decided to apply this invention to the Hermès clothing line. This gave the brand a modern, innovative twist. In 1922, Hermès introduced its first handbag, because Émile’s wife could not find a bag she liked anywhere. This personal touch was the beginning of Hermès’ unmistakable style.
Named after an icon
In the 1930s, Hermès launched two of its most iconic products: the Hermès scarf and the Kelly bagThe . silk scarveseach handmade with elaborate prints, became the favorite accessory of stylish women like Grace Kelly and Audrey HepburnThe Kelly bag, named after Grace Kelly, was another instant success and remains one of the most sought-after bags in the world to this day.
Years later came the Birkin bag – inspired by Jane Birkin’s flight to Paris. This bag has since become the ultimate symbol of luxury, exclusivity and… patience, because the waiting lists for a Birkin are legendary.
Hermès today
Today is Hermes not just a fashion house anymore, it’s an institution. The brand is still used by the Hermès family and continues to adhere to Thierry’s founding principles: craftsmanship, tradition, and quality. The fashion house is known for its craftsmanship in leather goods, its timeless creations, and the exclusive experience it offers. The handmade process and the time spent on each item are what sets Hermès apart from other brands.
Yet the brand continues to innovate without forgetting its roots. Every item the brand produces today – whether it is a Birkin, a silk scarf, or a watch – carries the legacy of Thierry Hermès. The connection with horses has never completely disappeared: the classic Hermès logo with the horse and carriage still refers to those very first saddles that put the brand on the map.
The unique talent of Thierry Hermès
The genius of Thierry Hermès was his ability to luxury and function together, and his legacy lives on today. What began as a small saddlery is now one of the most prestigious luxury brands in the world. Thierry Hermès probably never imagined his name would adorn handbags that sometimes cost more than a house, but his dedication to quality and craftsmanship has made Hermès immortal. What began with a horse, ended with an empire that continues to set the standard for luxury and style to this day.
Thierry Hermès left the world not just elegant saddles, but an entire lifestyle. His legacy is rooted in the idea that luxury is not just about aesthetics, but also about craftsmanship and the connection between tradition and innovation. The brand that bears his name is living proof of that.
