The French luxury house founded in Paris in 1837 by Thierry Hermès is Hermès.
Thierry Hermès established the business as a harness and saddlery workshop, serving riders and their horses rather than beginning as a fashion label. That equestrian origin remains visible in the company’s identity and in its long association with finely made leather goods.
Over time, Hermès expanded into handbags, luggage, silk scarves, clothing, accessories, watches, jewelry, perfumes, and beauty products. Its reputation rests heavily on craftsmanship, with many products made in specialized workshops and sold at luxury prices. The name is pronounced roughly “er-MEZ,” not like the Greek god Hermes.
Hermès is often confused with other French luxury houses such as Cartier, Givenchy, or Céline, but those are separate brands with different founders and histories. The accent in “Hermès” is also part of the brand’s written name, while the company’s orange packaging became another recognizable feature of its modern identity.