Hermès, a name synonymous with luxury, elegance, and timeless style, has long been a beacon of high fashion and sophisticated design. The brand’s iconic bags, in particular, have captivated the hearts of fashionistas around the world.
Hermès bags in the UAE and across the globe are a status symbol. Practically every celebrity slings, totes, or carries one. In movies and on TV, the reference to this highly coveted bag is one of exclusivity. “It’s not a bag; it’s a Birkin,” a salesperson matter-of-factly tells Samantha (Kim Catrall) in an episode of “Sex and the City.”
But what is it that sets Hermès bags apart in the crowded world of luxury accessories?
To understand the allure of these masterpieces, we delve into the rich history of Hermès, explore its unwavering brand philosophy, and appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating each bag.
The Legacy of Hermès: From Saddlery to Symbol of Luxury
Harness maker Thierry Hermès founded the brand in 1837 as a harness workshop in Paris, specializing in finely crafted bridles and harnesses for the noblemen of Europe and the carriage trade. Thierry’s commitment to quality and precision quickly earned the workshop a stellar reputation among the European elite.
In 1880, Thierry’s son, Charles-Émile Hermès, moved the workshop to 24 Faubourg Saint-Honoré and opened a store, which still stands to this day as the brand’s global headquarters. Hermès expanded its product line to include saddlery, which naturally transitioned into luxury leather goods and accessories.
By the early 20th century, the brand diversified into luggage, handbags, and other accessories. The introduction of the first Hermès handbag in 1922 marked a significant turning point, setting the stage for the brand’s enduring association with luxury fashion.
The brand continued to innovate and set trends, with iconic creations like the Kelly bag (originally called sac à dépêches) in the 1930s and the Birkin bag in the 1980s (designed after a chance meeting between actress and singer Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a Paris to London flight). Both creations established the brand’s status as a purveyor of timeless elegance.
The Hermès Brand Philosophy: Tradition Meets Innovation
Hermès’ brand philosophy revolves around a deep respect for craftsmanship, a commitment to quality, and an embrace of tradition while continually pushing the boundaries of innovation.
The brand philosophy in summary: “Leather, sport, and a tradition of refined elegance.” Each Hermès product is a testament to these values, reflecting the brand’s dedication to producing items that are not only beautiful but also functional and durable.
Hermès’ approach to luxury is rooted in a philosophy of ‘slow fashion’ — in stark contrast to the fast-paced, disposable trends of contemporary fashion. Hermès believes in creating pieces that are timeless, eschewing mass production in favor of artisanal craftsmanship.
Its commitment ensures that every Hermès product is unique, and crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail. Little wonder then that, with some TLC, a second-hand Hermès bag can still look every bit as good today as it did at first purchase.
The Craftsmanship Behind Hermès Bags: An Art Form
Hermès employs over 7,000 artisans, many of whom are in France; the brand makes 76% of its products in its exclusive workshops. Two hundred artisans focus on the brand’s leather designs.
Leatherworkers train in-house, developing techniques necessary to create the brand’s core designs. They start with the “Kelly,” which features 99% of all manufacturing techniques in its montage method. Trainees only move on to more complex, intricate products once they’ve mastered the “Kelly.”
Each artisan is responsible for one Hermès bag, which can take up to 18-24 hours, sometimes even longer, depending on the complexity of the design. All bags are hand-stitched with leather elements sewn using the brand’s traditional saddle stitch. One artisan, who oversees the entire process from start to finish to ensure consistency and quality, can produce three to four bags per week.
Selection of Materials
The journey of an Hermès bag begins with the selection of materials, most of which come from calves in France. Hermès also sources the finest leathers from around the world, including calfskin, alligator, ostrich, and lizard, ensuring that each piece of leather meets their stringent quality standards. The leather is carefully inspected for any imperfections, and only the best cuts are chosen for crafting their bags.
The Crafting Process
Once the materials are selected, an artisan meticulously cuts the leather pieces by hand. This is followed by the careful assembly of the bag, a process that involves precise stitching — typically using the Hermès saddle stitch, a technique that requires skill and precision. This stitch, known for its strength and durability, is a hallmark of Hermès craftsmanship.
Artisans polish the raw edges of the leather with sandpaper and then coat the surface with beeswax, sealing and protecting the bag from humidity. Every detail, from the placement of the hardware to the alignment of the stitching, is meticulously checked to ensure it meets Hermès’ exacting standards. The hardware itself, often plated with precious metals, is crafted with the same attention to detail and quality.
Personalization and Finishing Touches
Hermès also offers bespoke services, allowing clients to personalize their bags with custom colors, materials, and even their initials. The special order, or HSS, is a level of customization that adds another layer of exclusivity to each Hermès bag, making it a unique expression of the owner’s style and personality.
The final step in the process is quality control. Each bag undergoes a rigorous inspection to ensure it adheres to Hermès’ standards of excellence. Only after passing this final check does the bag receive the Hermès stamp, a mark of authenticity and craftsmanship.
Own a Piece of Fashion History
The allure of Hermès bags lies not only in their luxurious appearance but also in the story behind their creation. Each bag is not just an accessory, like a straw hat or a chunky belt; it’s a work of art, a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance.
In a world where fashion trends come and go, Hermès stands as a beacon of enduring style, where tradition meets innovation, and every bag tells a story of meticulous craftsmanship and unparalleled luxury.
