Hermès has long been associated with luxury, but what distinguishes it from other haute couture houses is its focus on exclusivity and craftsmanship. Hermès is known for its approach to production that is dedicated to quality and focused on individual craftsmanship rather than mass-produced goods. Since each is intricately hand-stitched, it remains unmatched in durability and beauty. While others mass-produce their canvases, Hermès takes this as a competitive edge instead, and it continues to emphasize leather wares. Such selective practice safeguards the reputation of this brand and heightens its demand through scarcity.
Hermès does subtle self-promotion even with its reputation as famous. The brand hardly ever uses celebrity endorsements or influencer-driven marketing campaigns. Instead, it discreetly markets accessible products like perfumes and silk scarves and lets its leather goods do the talking.
Two of Hermès’ most iconic designs include the Kelly bag, after Grace Kelly, and the Birkin bag, first introduced in 1984. Hermès’ $200 billion empire has a lot to do with both of the designs that have stood the test of time as a symbol of exclusivity and sophistication. On the other hand, however, the company’s beginnings have little to do with today’s luxury fashion. Thierry Hermès founded the company in 1837 as a harness-making workshop in Paris. It was celebrated for its excellent craftsmanship, earning it a trophy at the 1867 Universal Exhibition.
The artistic director of the brand and sixth-generation member of the Hermès family, Pierre-Alexis Dumas, recently spoke about what makes Hermès unique. Regarding the perception that products by Hermès are overpriced, Dumas explained, “It’s not expensive; it’s costly.” He differentiated the two, saying that cost reflects the true price of quality craftsmanship, while expensive refers to products that fail to justify their price tag.
This philosophy underlines that the brand is dedicated towards excellence. Unlike their competitors: Chanel and Gucci rely on aggressive marketing, design of logos, and reliance on trends, Hermès stands strong on its commitment of timelessness to elegance-which secures its lead in luxury fashion.
