As the autumn season returns, countless kids and adults are heading back to school. Even if you’re not among them, you can still inject some academic spirit into your fall fashion shopping and closet cleanouts around brands like Hermès. Here’s your crash course history lesson on the iconic Hermès brand — a journey through time that blends heritage, craftsmanship, and luxury investment.
Saddles and Status (1837-1900s)
The story of Hermès begins in 1837, when Thierry Hermès founded a harness workshop in Paris dedicated to serving European noblemen with finely crafted bridles, saddles, and equestrian gear. The products weren’t just functional; they were beautiful, precise, and status-defining. Thierry’s craftsmanship earned gold medals at the Expositions Universelles in Paris.
As transportation evolved in the late 19th century, Thierry’s son Charles-Émile Hermès expanded the business by moving the workshop to 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, which remains Hermès' flagship store to this day. He also began catering to a global clientele, setting the stage for the brand’s international reputation.
Zippers, Bags, and Global Dreams (1910s-1930s)
Fast forward to the early 20th century, when Émile-Maurice Hermès, Thierry’s grandson, transformed the family business forever. After visiting North America, Émile-Maurice secured the exclusive French rights to the zipper, which was a groundbreaking innovation at the time. He began using it in clothing and accessories, helping to modernize French fashion.
In 1922, Hermès launched its first leather handbag, inspired by a design Émile-Maurice created for his wife. It was the first signal that the company was ready to pivot from saddlery to fashion accessories. By 1929, Hermès had introduced its first women’s apparel collection, and in 1937, the brand debuted the iconic silk scarf, or carré, which would go on to become a symbol of timeless elegance.
Star Power and Signature Styles (1930s-1950s)
The 1930s and 1940s were key decades for Hermès. During this era, Hermès scarves became not just fashion statements but collectable art pieces. Each square silk scarf was made with rich pigments and featured artwork by talented illustrators. The scarves became beloved by style icons and dignitaries around the world.
One of the most glamorous highlights among Hermès facts is the brand’s introduction of what would later be called the Kelly bag. Initially named the Sac à Dépêches, it gained international fame in the 1950s when Grace Kelly was photographed shielding her baby bump with the bag. The image was so iconic that the bag was officially renamed “Kelly” in 1977.
It’s also in the 1950s that the branded Hermès logo concept and history begin. The iconic Hermès logo — a silhouette of a Duc carriage and horse — was introduced, a symbol paying homage to the brand’s equestrian roots. The image evokes a sense of refined tradition, elegance, and craftsmanship, symbolizing the brand's origin as a harness workshop for noblemen. The logo was inspired by a drawing from a 19th-century French illustrator and reflects Hermès’ enduring commitment to timeless luxury rooted in heritage.
The Birkin Era Begins (1980s-2000s)
If the Kelly bag defined elegance, the Hermès Birkin bag, introduced in 1984, was the embodiment of luxury chic. The Birkin was born from a chance encounter between actress Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight from Paris to London. She needed a better weekend bag; he sketched one on the spot. The rest is handbag history.
Each Birkin is handmade by a single artisan, often taking over 20 hours to complete. The exclusivity, quality, and scarcity of these bags turned them into ultimate fashion trophies and long-term investments.
During this period, Hermès also expanded into ready-to-wear clothing, watches, jewelry, and home goods, all while maintaining its identity as a house of exceptional craftsmanship.
Six Generations of Excellence (2000s-Today)
Now led by the sixth generation of the Hermès family, the brand continues to balance innovation with tradition. As detailed in Hermès’ official history, the company has preserved its artisan-first philosophy, supporting skilled craftspeople and controlling every step of the production process.
While other luxury brands pursue rapid growth, Hermès takes a slower, more deliberate path.
The company opens relatively few boutiques and maintains long waiting lists for its most coveted items, not out of snobbery but out of dedication to quality and scarcity. Even amid a changing fashion landscape, Hermès remains synonymous with timelessness, restraint, and refined taste. A Hermès piece doesn’t just follow trends; it transcends them.
Hermès as a Wise Consignment Choice
If you’re cleaning out your closet this fall and thinking about consigning some luxury items, Hermès should top your list for these reasons:
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Retained value. Unlike most fashion brands, Hermès bags frequently resell at or above the original retail price.
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Global demand. Whether at a location near you or halfway around the world, Hermès products always attract serious buyers.
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Timelessness. Their designs are investments in style, and they pay serious dividends.
Whether you're a student of style or a seasoned fashion scholar, Hermès makes sense not just for your wardrobe but for your wallet. Class dismissed — but the Hermès lesson lasts forever.
Score an A+ on Fall Consignments With North Shore Exchange
North Shore Exchange is a nonprofit luxury consignment shop that offers pre-owned and pre-loved designer furniture, clothing, vintage jewelry, and accessories. North Shore Exchange is happy to accept your luxe fashion and home items to be sold on a consignment basis. We make the process of downsizing easy for you by offering complimentary home consultations to help you decide what to consign. If you prefer, you can send photos of your items to us or schedule a Zoom session to discuss the items you’re interested in consigning.
We pay competitive consignment rates, so you'll get the best price for your pre-loved designer items. We sell 85% of the items we receive, and most of them sell within 30 days at full price.
We also pay out quicker than other resellers, so you'll get a check for your sold items sooner.
By consigning with North Shore Exchange, you’re not just earning cash but helping to support an organization that gives back to your community. Our philanthropic efforts support Chicagoland charities serving children and families living in poverty. We also offer grants to Chicagoland organizations that address the critical needs of hunger, homelessness, and abuse. Your consignment will not only be valued and re-loved for the treasure it is but will also align with causes that any shopper or recipient will appreciate all the more.
So don’t wait — create an account with us, and start consigning today!