The Dumas family name is associated with Hermès, the luxury fashion house founded in Paris by Thierry Hermès in 1837.
Thierry Hermès began as a harness maker serving European noble and affluent customers. The house later expanded from equestrian goods into handbags, silk scarves, clothing, watches, jewelry, and other luxury products. Its famous Kelly and Birkin bags emerged much later than the original harness business.
The Dumas family entered the company through Émile-Maurice Hermès’s daughter Jacqueline, who married Robert Dumas. Jean-Louis Dumas, a fifth-generation family member, led Hermès from 1978 to 2006 and helped develop its global luxury strategy. The family remains central to the company’s ownership through family holding structures.
Hermès should not be confused with the Greek god Hermes or with the parcel-delivery company formerly called Hermes in some markets. The fashion house uses the founder’s surname and is headquartered in Paris.