Hermès derived its name from its founder Thierry Hermès and originated in 1837 as a company crafting equestrian goods. Even today, the brand's iconic image revolves around a person riding a carriage. Initially renowned for producing high-quality leather items, it later expanded into travel-related (leather) products as transportation shifted from horses to automobiles and ships. Besides, it owns subsidiary companies like SaintLouis for glass and crystal processing, John Lobb for handmade shoes, and Puiforcat for silversmithing. The brand was the first to incorporate a zipper on bags, adding to its innovative approach.
The company has been a family business since its inception. Passing down the inheritance from Thierry Hermès to his son Charles-Émile and then to his son Émile-Maurice, the lack of male heirs led to the transfer to son-in law Robert Dumas. This marked the Dumas family's ownership of Hermès. Success surged further under Robert's son, Jean-Louis Dumas. Currently, Axel Dumas, Jean-Louis' nephew, chairs the company, and Pierre-Alexis Dumas, Jean-Louis' son, serves as the artistic director.
Since 1837, Hermès has remained true to craftsmanship and humanistic values. Its distinctiveness stems from a commitment to creative freedom, relentless exploration of the finest materials, and the heritage of expertise in crafting practical yet elegant objects.
Striving for family driven operation, independence, and responsibility, Hermès operates over 300 stores in 45 countries, emphasizing concentrated product manufacturing in 52 production sites mainly in France, amidst the development of its international distribution network.
Spanning six generations, Hermès maintains its independent operation under a French lineage, embodying artisan spirit, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial values as its business model.
A brand recognized for rarity, brand value, and fame, Hermès drew attention even among major luxury brands. Particularly, LVMH discreetly attempted a hostile takeover by acquiring a 17.1% stake through derivative products, considering Hermès acquisition as a completion of its product lineup. Prioritizing tradition, Hermès rebuffed LVMH's aggressive approach. This led to a legal battle between LVMH and the Hermès family in courts and stock markets from 2010 for about four years.
Hermès accumulated a 50.2% stake, forming a new holding company and re-establishing owner led management under CEO Axel Dumas. Eventually, in 2014, LVMH sold its entire stake by court order and announced a mutual agreement, seemingly concluding the legal dispute. Later in 2017, LVMH acquired the remaining shares of Dior from the Dior family, finalizing the closure of the case regarding their ownership of Hermès.
