Hermès

Tradition, history and sophistication á la Hermès 

Nothing quite says authenticity like an established French fashion house, one that has been steeped in history and tradition. The Hermès story weaves a rich tapestry of meaning, a lineage clearly evinced in the refined details of the brand that imbue it with an instantly distinguishable style. The pinnacles of vintage Parisian fashion, Hermès has become synonymous with sophistication. And if you decide to don a name like Hermès, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the messenger god amongst fashion deities. Today, the design house enjoys worldwide recognition as a French fashion luxury brand. Initially though, Hermès built its name on the production and supply of high calibre horse-drawn carriage accessories. With their high quality bridles and harnesses, they became the recipients of numerous accolades, giving the shop the reputation it needed to really build their brand. In the early 50s, they adopted their trademark logo of the caleche — a light, hooded, single horse carriage, an homage to their humble beginnings.

From the French stables to the Monacan royal courts  

The precursor to the Hermès handbag is the Haut à Courroies bag, which was originally designed for riders to be able to carry their saddles with them comfortably. Soon afterwards, Emilie-Maurice created the first handbag collection, and in the process made handbag history. This brand enjoys a particularly affectionate relationship with high-profile celebrities and royalty alike. One of the most iconic bags from this legendary fashion house is the Hermès Sac à dépêches, better known as the “Kelly bag”, as it was named after Grace Kelly, the princess of Monaco. Another instant classic is the Birkin Bag, which was introduced in 1981 and named after British actress Jane Birkin. This bag has the stood the test of time and has remained a highly sought after commodity. It boasts the longest waiting time for any accessory — purchasing such an iconic bag can require up to six years of advance planning. Through five generations of Hermès, this legendary fashion house has made the fashion world what it is today. True elegance is timeless, which is why Hermès handbags are uniquely recognisable, no matter where or when you are.