From the harness
to the world.
Hermès was founded in Paris in 1837 by Thierry Hermès, a harness maker who opened his first workshop near La Madeleine, making harnesses and bridles for the carriages of the city. In 1880 his son Charles-Émile moved the house to 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, where it remains today. Nearly two centuries later the family still leads it: Executive Chairman Axel Dumas is the sixth generation, and the house's sixteen métiers, from leather and saddlery to silk, ready-to-wear, watches and perfume, are guided by Artistic Director Pierre-Alexis Dumas.
The workshop
Thierry Hermès opens a harness workshop near La Madeleine in Paris.
24 Faubourg
Charles-Émile Hermès moves the house to 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
The handbag
The first Hermès leather handbags are introduced.
The carré
The first silk carré is created.
Tie and perfume
The silk tie is launched, and Eau d'Hermès becomes the first fragrance.
The Birkin
The Birkin bag is designed with Jane Birkin.
Axel Dumas
The sixth generation takes the helm of the house.
Haute couture
The first Hermès haute couture show, led by Nadège Vanhée, in Paris in January.
