Désir du jour - Hermès

Hermès is one of the most well known fashion houses in the world. Established in France in 1837, the label specializes in leather, ready-to-wear, perfume, lifestyle accessories and luxury goods. Although one of the most successful fashion houses today, Hermès wasn’t always so profitable.

Victoria Beckham's Birkin collection is valued at $2.3 million

With the fluctuating economy and changing consumer demands, the company experienced ups and downs during the 1900s. However, Hermès were able to respond to changes in the market quickly and with smart marketing, were able to ensure the company didn’t go under. Originally starting as a harness workshop, the company graduated into production of leather saddles, which lead to leather bags. Obtaining the exclusive right to use zippers for leather goods and clothing in the early 1900s, Hermès introduced zips to France. The company quickly expanded into producing their now famous silk scarves, which were twice as strong as scarves available at the market at that time. Responding to consumer demand, the company soon introduced ready-to-wear and perfumery into the brand.

One of the first companies to link their products to celebrities (the Kelly bag, named after Grace Kelly and the Birkin bag, named after Jane Birkin), many Hermès products have themselves become fashion legends (Michael Tonello's book Bringing Home The Birkin is a great read). The Birkin bag alone can have a wait list up to six years depending on the type of leather.  The cost of a Birkin bag can reach into five and six figures for larger sizes depending on size, leather and colour.

Not only are Hermès’ bags iconic, but their enamel H bracelets have been seen on the arm of some of the most fashionable women in the world. I couldn’t go past the enamel H bracelet in the iconic Hermès orange. The classic design is timeless and although understated, recognizable by fashion lovers globally. Available through the online Hermès store for $800, this is a piece of jewellery that will never go out of fashion.

Image courtesy of http://www.luxurylaunches.com/celebrities/victoria_beckham_owns_100_hermes_birkin_bags_worth_23_million.php

Information sourced from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermès