Hermes
About
The brand's most recognized products are the Birkin bag, introduced in 1984, and the Kelly bag, named after Grace Kelly. Both are handcrafted by individual artisans at Hermes leather workshops in France, with production of a single bag taking approximately 18 to 24 hours. Hermes maintains strict production limits and does not discount its products, resulting in extended waiting periods and strong secondary market values.
Hermes silk scarves, known as carres, have been produced since 1937 and are printed in the brand's facility in Lyon. The company also operates a watchmaking division based in Switzerland and a perfume division whose fragrances include Terre d'Hermes and Twilly d'Hermes. The jewelry division produces both fine and high jewelry collections.
The company operates over 300 stores globally and sells through its own e-commerce platform. Hermes has remained independent from the major luxury conglomerates. LVMH acquired a minority stake between 2001 and 2014 but divested following legal proceedings. Hermes reported revenue of approximately 13.4 billion euros in 2023. The brand's approach to growth emphasizes controlled expansion, artisanal production, and long-term desirability over volume.
Fashion Houses
Hermes is a French fashion house founded in 1837, producing men's and women's ready-to-wear collections that reflect the brand's equestrian heritage and emphasis on quality materials. The house's fashion division operates alongside its leather goods and accessories businesses. Collections are presented during Paris Fashion Week and feature restrained designs with a focus on fabric quality and tailoring.
Fine Jewelry
Hermes produces fine jewelry collections that draw on the brand's equestrian and design heritage. Lines include Chaine d'Ancre, Echappee Hermes, and Kelly jewelry adaptations. Pieces are crafted in gold, silver, and precious stones. The jewelry division operates through Hermes boutiques and select dedicated jewelry locations.
Luxury Belts & Accessories
Hermes produces a wide range of accessories including silk scarves (carres), ties, belts, gloves, and small leather goods. The silk scarf program, begun in 1937, produces new designs each season using a screen-printing process at the brand's Lyon workshop. The H-buckle belt is one of the brand's most recognized accessories. Hermes enamel bracelets and leather goods such as wallets and cardholders are also core products.
Luxury Handbags
Hermes is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious handbag makers in the world. The Birkin and Kelly bags are its most iconic products, handmade by individual artisans in France using leathers including Togo, Epsom, Swift, and exotic skins such as crocodile and ostrich. Production is limited and allocation-based, with no waiting list system. Other notable styles include the Constance, Picotin, Lindy, and Evelyne.
Luxury Perfumes
Hermes operates an in-house perfume division producing fragrances including Terre d'Hermes, Twilly d'Hermes, Un Jardin sur le Nil, and the Hermessence collection of exclusive scents. The house has employed dedicated in-house perfumers, with Christine Nagel currently serving as the brand's nose. Fragrances are sold through Hermes boutiques, department stores, and online.
Luxury Shoes
Hermes produces men's and women's footwear including sandals, loafers, boots, and sneakers. The Oran sandal, featuring the signature H cutout, is one of the brand's most widely recognized shoe designs. Footwear is crafted in leather and uses the brand's materials standards. Shoes are available through Hermes boutiques and the brand's online store.
Luxury Watches
Hermes operates a Swiss watchmaking subsidiary that produces timepieces including the Cape Cod, Heure H, Arceau, and Slim d'Hermes collections. The brand manufactures some of its own movements and collaborates with Swiss movement makers for others. Hermes watches emphasize design and the brand's aesthetic identity, with leather straps often made from the same hides used in its bag production.
