A Postcard from Hermès

The History of Hermès

Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès, the company began as a harness and bridle workshop in Paris, catering to European noblemen. Thierry’s dedication to quality soon earned him acclaim among the elite. By the late 19th century, his son Charles-Émile Hermès moved the workshop to 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, where Hermès’ flagship boutique still stands today.

By the early 20th century, Hermès introduced its first handbags, followed by silk scarves in 1937, and fragrances in the 1950s. Under the leadership of Jean-Louis Dumas from the 1970s through the 2000s, Hermès cemented its reputation for quiet in the fashion world, focusing on classic silhouettes over seasonal trends. Despite globalization and changing fashion landscapes, Hermès has remained dedicated to its artisanal roots. Particularly their handbags, handcrafted by a single artisan, maintaining a level of precision and exclusivity few brands can match.

House Icons

The Birkin

The Birkin bag was born in 1984, the result from a conversation between actress and singer Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight from Paris to London. Each Birkin bag is hand-stitched from premium leathers such as Togo, Clemence, or exotic skins like crocodile and ostrich. The bags come in various sizes (25cm to 40cm) and colors, with waitlists that can stretch years.

The Kelly

Long before the Birkin, Hermès had already made a mark with another iconic piece, the Kelly bag. Originally introduced in 1935 as the Sac à dépêches, it gained worldwide fame in 1956 when Grace Kelly, then Princess of Monaco, used it to shield her pregnancy from paparazzi.

The resulting photograph captured the public’s action, and the bag renamed the Kelly. Featuring a trapezoidal shape, top handle, and secure closure, the Kelly bag is both graceful and functional. Available in two styles the rigid Sellier and softer Retourne. Crafted in a range of materials, the Kelly requires over 20 hours of handwork per piece.

The Evelyne

Introduced in 1978, the Evelyne was initially designed as a utility bag for horse groomers. Its signature perforated “H” logo wasn’t meant for decoration, but rather to allow tools to air out. Intended to be worn facing the body, this design soon found appeal beyond the stable.

Today, the Evelyne is a favorite for those seeking casual, hands-free functionality Worn as a crossbody or on the shoulder with its comfortable canvas strap, the Evelyne bridges Hermès’ equestrian roots with contemporary needs.

The Garden Party

Unlike the Birkin or Kelly, the Garden Party doesn’t trace its origins to celebrity or royal connections. Introduced in the early 2000s, the Garden Party is an understated tote bag designed for versatility and function. Crafted in canvas, leather, or both, and finished with snap closures, it’s perfect for work, errands, or weekend outings.

Scarves

First introduced in 1937, the Hermès scarf quickly became beloved for its detailed prints and unmistakable character. Drawing from themes like nature, mythology, and history, each scarf is thoughtfully illustrated and crafted in France using time-honored techniques.

Shop WGACA’s Curated Edit

This summer, explore our Hermès Summer Edit at What Comes Around Goes Around, where every pre-owned piece carries a legacy.