Thierry Hermès
Founder of Hermès
Thierry Hermès (1801 to 1878) was the harness maker who founded Hermès in Paris in 1837. His workshop, known for durable, finely stitched horse tack, became the starting point of one of the world's leading luxury houses, still controlled by his descendants.
| Role | Founder of Hermès |
|---|---|
| Born | 1801, Krefeld |
| Died | 1878, Neuilly-sur-Seine |
| Founded | 1837, Paris |
| Original trade | Harness and saddlery |
| Successor | Charles-Émile Hermès |
Who is Thierry Hermès?
Thierry Hermès was born in 1801 in Krefeld, then part of France, and died in 1878 in Neuilly-sur-Seine near Paris. He trained as a saddle and harness maker and in 1837 opened a workshop in Paris that became Hermès. The house he founded is today one of the leading luxury groups in the world and remains under the control of his family.
Career
After his apprenticeship as a harness maker in Normandy, Hermès settled in Paris and in 1837 opened his first workshop on rue Basse-du-Rempart, near the Madeleine church. The business specialised in harnesses and horse tack for the carriages of wealthy Parisians. He became known for sturdy, comfortable harness made with the saddle stitch, a hand-sewing technique that remains associated with the brand.
His work won recognition at the Paris Universal Expositions of 1855 and 1867, and the workshop counted fashionable clients of the Second Empire among its customers, including Empress Eugénie.
- 1837: opens his harness workshop in Paris
- 1855 and 1867: medals at the Paris Universal Expositions
- 1878: dies; his son Charles-Émile takes over
- 1880: Charles-Émile moves the business to 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
Influence on the fashion business
Thierry Hermès established the principles that still define the company: artisanal workmanship, durable materials and close attention to function. His son Charles-Émile moved the business to 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, which remains the house's flagship address. In the early twentieth century the founder's grandson Émile-Maurice Hermès steered the company towards luggage, handbags and accessories for travellers, the categories that underpin its success today.
The continuity of family ownership across six generations is one of the defining features of Hermès and distinguishes it from many luxury brands that have passed through several owners.
Why it matters
Hermès is frequently cited as a model of long-term, craft-based luxury, with an emphasis on in-house workshops, scarcity and slow brand building rather than rapid expansion. Many of those principles trace back to its founder's harness workshop. For fashion executives, Thierry Hermès illustrates how a narrowly focused craft business can, over generations and with consistent values, evolve into a global luxury house.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Hermès?
Hermès was founded in Paris in 1837 by Thierry Hermès, a harness maker born in Krefeld in 1801. His first workshop made harnesses and horse tack for wealthy customers.
Who runs Hermès today?
Hermès is still controlled by descendants of Thierry Hermès. His son Charles-Émile moved the business to 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, which remains the house's flagship address.