Hermès

Hermès, the iconic French luxury brand rose from humble origins – from a workshop that catered for saddlery and fine equestrian leather goods to being ranked the world’s most valuable luxury brand despite its non-conglomerate status. Thierry Hermès, the institutor of the house of Hermès, quickly gained recognition for his high-quality craftsmanship of harnesses and bridles winning several awards while garnering significant popularity among the noblemen of Europe. His heir, Charles-Emile Hermes along with his sons, then proceeded to focus on international retail sales and crafting the ‘Haut a Courroies’ which went to become the prototype of the first handbag. Though the first handbag was made for Emile Maurice’s wife, it garnered international recognition and a cult following when it was photographed in the hands of Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco. Hermes went on to launch one of their most recognisable goods, the Sac a depeches bag, that popularly became to be known as the ‘Kelly’.