Hermès Luxury Goods

Hermès is a premier French luxury house founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès in Paris. Originally established as a high-end harness and saddlery workshop catering to European nobility, the brand's identity remains deeply rooted in equestrian heritage and artisanal craftsmanship. Over nearly two centuries, the company transitioned from equestrian equipment to a diversified luxury portfolio, famously introducing its first leather handbags in 1922 and iconic silk scarves in 1937.

Manufacturing is centered heavily in France, where the vast majority of leather goods and silk items are handcrafted by skilled artisans across over 60 production sites. However, the brand follows a philosophy of manufacturing where the specific expertise lies: footwear is primarily produced in Italy, watchmaking in Switzerland, cashmere in Scotland, and certain lacquerware in Vietnam. This decentralized yet specialized production ensures that each category maintains the highest standards of quality.

Unlike many of its competitors in the luxury sector, Hermès has remained a fiercely independent family-controlled company. It is currently owned primarily by the Hermès family (descendants of the founder) through a sophisticated holding structure called H51, designed to protect the house from hostile takeovers and maintain its long-term artisanal focus. The company's headquarters have been located at the historic 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris since 1880.