Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès in Paris, the House of Hermès began as a harness workshop on the Rue Basse-du-Rempart. From its earliest days, the brand distinguished itself through exceptional craftsmanship and an understanding of customers' needs for elegant simplicity combined with durability.

In 1880, Charles-Émile Hermès moved the workshop to 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, where the flagship store remains to this day. The brand's reputation spread throughout Europe, attracting clientele for custom saddles and bridles .

The evolution continued under Émile Hermès, who introduced the zipper to France after observing its use on Canadian military vehicles. This innovation was applied to Hermès handbags and luggage, marking the brand's transition from equestrian equipment to leather goods. Today, six generations later, Hermès remains a family-owned house dedicated to artisanal excellence.