name Hermes evokes images of the day Birkinsscarves and ultimate status, but few know that it all started with a horse (or rather, its saddle). Thierry Hermesborn in 1801 in Krefeld, Germany, was a master leather working. When he opened his first store in 1837 Paris when he opened, he concentrated entirely on the manufacture of saddles and harnesses for horses. And not just for the average farmer, but also for Europe’s elite and royal families.
He delivered craft products to the French aristocracy, to the English high societyand even the Tsars of Russia. Hermès quickly became known for its uniqueness craftsmanshipwhere every piece was made precisely and perfection was the goal.
Zo became Thierry Hermès
Thierry Hermes started small, but his passion for luxury and functionality quickly made his work popular among Europe’s wealthiest people. The focus was on carriages and everything related to horses, but his saddles were more than useful items. They were elegant, hand-made, and intended to ensure the comfort of not only the horse but also the rider. Thierry was determined to be the best at what he did, and it is still reflected in the DNA of Hermès.
From horses to luxury
When Thierry died in 1878, his son and grandson gave it to him family business a new twist. They expanded the range with everything the stylish traveler needed: luxury suitcasesmanager suppliesand finally handbags. Originally designed to carry saddles, the “Haut à Courroies” grew into an iconic fashion item and became the forerunner of the legendary. Birkin bag. The brand transformed from a saddle for horses into a complete luxury brand for people who love refinement and details.
Émile-Maurice Hermès: the architect of the new Hermès
A decisive role in change Hermes played Emile-MauriceThierry’s grandson, who took the company to new heights. On his trip to America, he found line – which was completely new in Europe at the time – and he 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 couldn’t find a suitable bag anywhere. This personal touch was the beginning of Hermès’ unmistakable style.
Named after the icon
In the 1930s, Hermès launched two of its most iconic products: Hermès scarf and Kelly bag. of Silk scarveseach of which is handmade with exquisite prints, became a favorite accessory for stylish women such as Grace Kelly in Audrey Hepburn. The 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 Birkin bag – inspired by Jane Birkin’s flight to Paris. This bag has since become the ultimate symbol of luxury, exclusivity and… patience, as Birkin waiting lists are legendary.
Hermès today
Today is Hermes no longer just a fashion house, it’s an institution. The brand is still in use The Hermès family and still follows Thierry’s original principles: craftsmanship, tradition and quality. The fashion house is known for its handcrafted leather goods, its timeless creations and the unique experience it offers. The handmade process and the time spent on each product set Hermès apart from other brands.
Still, the brand continues to innovate without forgetting its roots. Every product the brand makes today – whether it’s a Birkin, a silk scarf or a watch – carries the legacy of Thierry Hermès. Connection with horseflesh has never been completely lost: a classic Hermès logo with horse and wagon still refers to those first saddles that put their mark on the map.
The unique talent of Thierry Hermès
The genius of Thierry Hermès was his talent luxury and functionality together, and his legacy lives on. What started as a small saddle is now one of the most prestigious luxury brands in the world. Thierry Hermès probably never imagined that his name would appear on handbags that sometimes cost more than a house, but his dedication to quality and craftsmanship has made Hermès immortal. It started with a horse but ended with an empire that sets the standard for luxury and style to this day.
Thierry Hermès left the world not only stylish saddles, but also a perfect lifestyle. Its heritage is based on the idea that luxury is not only about aesthetics, but also about craftsmanship and the connection between tradition and innovation. The sign bearing his name is living proof of this.