The company was founded by Frenchman Thierry Hermès in 1837. It specialized in saddles and leathergoods during those early years.

One of its early designers was Lola PRUSAC. It's first women collection was shown in Paris in 1929. The Hermès scarf was introduced in the early 1930s. The handbag made famous by Grace Kelly in 1956 was actually first manufactured almost 20 years earlier in 1930.

Haute Couture collection was stopped in 1956, but they continued to give shows during the European Fashion Week. Hermès introduced its first perfume Caleche in 1961.

Over the years, the Ready to Wear was designed by Jacques Delahaye,Catherine De Karolyi, Monsieur Levaillant, Nicole De Vesian, Eric Bergere, Claude Brouet, Tan Giudicelli, Marc Audibet and Mariot Chane. Since 1998, the collection has been designed by Martin Margiela, until the Spring 2004 season.

Jean-Paul Gaultier replaced Martin Margiela as womenswear designer for the Fall 2004 season.

The Menswear collection is currently being designed by Veronique Nichanian.

Menswear Spring 2005 (Photo by FW)

Fall 2007 (Photo by Giovannni Pucci)

Website: www.hermes.com

Address:
Hermès
24 Fbg. St. Honore
Paris FRANCE 75008
Tel: 331 40174717
Fax: 331 40174718

Press Contact:
HERMÈS
Sophie SEIBEL-TRAONOUÏL
18-20, Place de la Madeleine
75008 PARIS
FRANCE
Tel: +33 1 40 17 47 06
Fax: +33 1 48 10 74 83

Designer Veronique Nichanian on the runway, Fall 2004 season