The Aesthetics of Horses, Leather, and Silence—The Origins of Luxury Known as HERMÈS Part 1
The word "Hermès" no longer just refers to products.
It is the pinnacle of craftsmanship, a symbol of the value of time and effort, and the very embodiment of quiet authority.
HERMÈS is one of the few brands that continues to reign at the pinnacle of luxury throughout the ages. However, its origins lie not in the glittering fashion capital of Paris, but in a workshop with roots in the world of leather and horses.
In Part 1 of this article, we explore the background of HERMÈS's creation, the origins of its aesthetic, and how its iconic codes were developed.
Paris, 1837. A saddlemaker's dream born in the heart of the carriage era.
HERMÈS was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès as a small workshop in the Madeleine neighborhood of Paris.
The company's purpose was to produce high-quality horse equipment (especially saddles and harnesses) for the upper class at the time. In a world where durability and elegance were more important than speed, HERMÈS's craftsmanship quickly gained a reputation.
It was during this period that HERMÈS developed its unique aesthetic philosophy of "beauty faithful to its purpose." Things that are made for use, not for decoration, end up being beautiful—this philosophy of functional beauty still permeates all of its products today.
Roots in horses, spirit in silence—luxury that rejects flashiness
While other houses expanded into perfumes and clothing as the times changed, HERMÈS remained a saddlery maker until the end of the 19th century.
The first handbags did not appear until the early 20th century, and were practical items adapted from saddle bags used when riding horses.
This stubbornly "non-fashionable" attitude has paradoxically positioned HERMÈS as "the most reliable luxury." It is a beauty that does not follow trends, does not advertise flashily, and does not make loud statements -- in other words, "silent luxury."
"Hermès doesn't follow trends. Trends learn from Hermès."
— Vogue Paris, 1989 archive
Iconic Seeds—Saddle Stitch, Horse Motif, Orange Box
The HERMÈS DNA, formed during these early years, lives on in every product to this day.
For example, hand-sewn saddle stitching is the technique that ensures the durability of horse tack, and the same process is used for Kelly bags and Birkin bags.
Additionally, the logo featuring the silhouette of a horse-drawn carriage, carriage buttons, bridle leather, and horsebit scarves are all symbols that originate from equestrianism.
The orange boxes, introduced during World War II due to a leather shortage, went from being a color symbolizing adversity to eventually becoming part of the brand's identity.
HERMÈS is a brand for those who "find beauty in function"
HERMÈS is not a fashion brand, but a culture built on a "craftsmanship attitude."
It's not something to show off luxury, but something you choose for yourself and develop over time.
That spirit has remained unchanged for nearly 200 years since the company was founded.
Bags, wallets, scarves, and everything under the name HERMÈS exists as an "extension of the saddlery workshop."
On to the next chapter: Kelly, Birkin, Constance. The philosophy behind bags.
In Part 2, we will look at the three iconic bags of HERMÈS: the Kelly bag, the Birkin bag, and the Constance bag.
We will explore how these items have been spoken of not just as "bags" but as symbols of culture, femininity, and time.
