The Hermes fashion brand specialises in producing top-quality equestrian products, such as saddles and harnesses, and other luxury goods, namely, bags, scarves, jewellery, watches, perfumes, home furnishings, and accessories. Established in 1837 by Thierry Hermes, this French fashion house has become a trendsetter in the world of fashion. Its iconic logo has stood the test of time and has appeared on the world fashion scene in 1950. The article delves into the history and evolution of the Hermes logo since its inception.
The Genesis of the Hermes Logo (1950–Today)
The Caleche Hermes logo is alleged to be inspired by a painting called “Le Duc Attele, Groom a L’Attente,” drawn by a French portrait and animal painter, Alfred de Dreux. Experts have found a lot of similarities between the painting and the design. The Hermes logo featured a horse carriage, or landau, with a harnessed horse, high springs, and a rider in front wearing a hat, a tailcoat, and high boots.
Interestingly, the picture of the rider in front, a man, seems to be inconspicuous compared to the large horse carriage behind. This focuses on the bond the brand has with leather. The brand name “HERMES” and the city “PARIS,” where the company is located, were written below the emblem.
The Elements of the Hermes Logo
Font
Hermès typically identifies its products with a distinctive logo, which are occasionally accompanied by the company name and the city in text form. These elements are commonly found on tags and in advertisements. The brand favours the French spelling “Hermès,” rendered in a bespoke, angular serif typeface named after the fashion house. When included, “Paris” appears in uppercase using a streamlined sans-serif font.
Colour
The signature colour of the company is a warm, pastel-like orange, which has been a key part of its visual identity since the early 1950s. Further, the alternative colour schemes include black, white, and brown variations.
The History of Hermes
Hermès, or Hermes International S.A., is a prestigious French luxury fashion brand known for its high-quality craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès, the company originally specialised in crafting horse harnesses and saddlery, and catered to the elite of European society.
Thierry Hermès was born in 1801 in Krefeld, Germany, and moved to Paris at the age of 20. He established his workshop in the Grand Boulevards quarter, which focused on producing high-quality harnesses for horse-drawn carriages. His exceptional craftsmanship quickly garnered attention and even won him several awards at the Expositions Universelles in 1855 and 1867. This strengthened the reputation of the brand for quality.
After Thierry’s death in 1878, his son Charles-Émile Hermès took over the business and relocated the workshop to 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, where it remains today. It was under his leadership that Hermès began diversifying its product portfolio. Consequently, the first leather handbag was introduced in 1922, and thereafter, the brand expanded into ready-to-wear clothing, jewellery, and accessories throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
The 1930s marked the introduction of some of the most iconic Hermès products. The first one was the Sac à Dépêches bag, which came out in 1935. This bag was later known as the Kelly bag after actress Grace Kelly was photographed with it in the 1950s. The Birkin bag followed in 1984, which became a cultural icon and a symbol of luxury. The company continued to innovate and expand its product lines, which included perfumes and home goods and accessories. In the 1950s, Hermès established its perfume division and introduced the now-famous orange packaging, which has become synonymous with the brand.
Today, Hermès is recognised not only for its leather goods but also for its silk scarves, ties, and a wide range of luxury products. The brand remains family-owned and is celebrated for its commitment to craftsmanship, exclusivity, and timeless style. It is unarguably one of the most revered names in the luxury fashion industry.
Interesting Facts About Hermes
- The name “Hermes” has its origins in the Greek god of messengers and commerce.
- The brand began by making horse saddles.
- The first Hermes bag, called Haut a Courroies, was made for horse riders.
- There are around 315 exclusive Hermes stores globally.
- In 2001, Hermes launched its e-commerce site, which makes it one of the few luxury brands to do so.
- The famous Kelly and Birkin bags are named after famous actresses Grace Kelly and Jane Birkin.
- A Birkin bag takes around 40 hours to make. And to do so without any supervision, the craftsman needs to undergo training for at least five years.
- The reputable orange boxes produced by the brand were usually made of cream-coloured faux pigskin. However, they were changed to orange after the Second World War due to shortages.
- The first Hermes bag was crafted by the founder in 1922 after he saw the frustration of his wife for not having suitable bags.
- Founded in 2008, the Fondation D’Entreprise Hermes is a foundation that helps the cause of traditional crafts, education, creative arts, training, and environmental issues.
- Kelly and Birkin bags are made of luxurious leather materials sourced from cows, lizards, crocodiles, ostriches, among others.
- Each Hermes bag is handmade and takes around 15–20 hours to make.
- Hermes products are owned by various celebrities and public figures, such as Jacqueline Kennedy. This has enhanced the desirability and prestige of the products.
Finally
The Hermès logo has evolved significantly since its inception, yet it has remained a powerful symbol of luxury, elegance, and craftsmanship. From its origins as a manufacturer of equestrian goods to its status as a leading luxury brand, Hermès has successfully maintained its identity through thoughtful design and a commitment to quality. The logo serves as a reminder of the rich heritage of the brand and its dedication to excellence. This makes Hermes as one of the most recognisable and respected symbols in the fashion industry today.