Thierry Hermès – The Beginning
Born to a French father and a German mother in Krefeld Germany, Hermès' legacy would later on be defined in Paris where his family moved in 1828. Here, he learned and excelled in the leather making trade and soon after, began specializing in the finest harnesses and bridles which won him several coveted awards. In 1837, he established Hermès as a harness workshop in the Grands Boulevards quarter of Paris dedicated to serving European noblemen and to upholding the purity of craftsmanship infused with elegant design – a tradition steeped firmly in Hermès.
The Iconic Handbags
Hermès introduced its first leather handbags in 1922 when the wife of Émile-Maurice(Hermès'grandson) complained about not being able to find one to her liking. Spurred on by his wife, Émile-Maurice designed the first Hermès handbag collection himself. This marked the beginning of fashion icons such as the Kelly handbag, named after famous actress Grace Kelly who at the height of stardom, used it to shield her pregnancy from the paparazzi.
In 1983, another icon was conceived when Jane Birkin, a famous actress, singer and model of her day met Jean Louis Dumas(Émile-Maurice's son-in-law) on a flight to London. The two struck up a casual conversation which revealed Birkin's need for a handbag big enough to carry all her things. Inspired by this, Dumas collaborated with her to create one of the most desired, iconic handbags we know today, the Birkin bag.
The Iconic Scarves
In 1937, exactly 100 years after Hermès was founded, the most iconic scarf was created. The very first design by Jean Louis Dumas featured white-wigged females playing a popular period game. The scarves soon gaining popularity among the elites, became symbols of French style and chicness.
True to the Hermès tradition of craftsmanship, each scarf takes a full 18 months to complete, making it one of the most meticulously crafted accessories. So beautiful are the designs that they are often framed and hung on walls as artwork.
The Iconic Bracelets
The Collier de Chien, the matriarch of all Hermès bracelets, inspired the brand to continue designing and creating bracelets that are intuitively inspired by the Houses' icons. The Kelly bracelet for example, was re-imagined from the Kelly handbag closure, the H bracelet from the Constance handbag and the CarÅ•e bracelet from the Hermès scarves.