HISTORY OF HERMES AS THE WORLD’S PRESTIGIOUS FASHION HOUSE

B2B leather supplier Indonesia

As a leather goods manufacturer Indonesia, it is impossible not to recognize Hermès, a global brand whose reputation resonates across the world. With collections valued at billions of rupiah and consistently positioned at the highest level of quality, Hermès has become one of the most influential names in fashion. Its success story often serves as inspiration for many premium leather businesses, including B2B-focused workshops and manufacturers that emphasize craftsmanship, heritage, and long-term brand value as a B2B leather supplier Indonesia.

Like many iconic brands, Hermès has experienced a long journey filled with challenges and transformation. Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès, a French craftsman, the company began as a workshop specializing in high-quality horse bridles for European aristocrats. His exceptional workmanship earned multiple awards at the Expositions Universelles in Paris in 1855 and 1867, demonstrating that attention to detail and material quality are timeless principles shared by every serious custom leather manufacturer Indonesia.

In 1880, leadership passed to Thierry’s son, Charles-Émile Hermès, who relocated the workshop to 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. With support from his sons Adolphe and Émile-Maurice, Hermès expanded beyond aristocratic clients and introduced saddles and leather goods to a broader market. This period marked the transition from a small workshop into a structured business model, something many growing leather goods manufacturer Indonesia enterprises aim to achieve.

By 1900, Hermès introduced the Haut Courroies bag, designed to help horse riders carry saddles more easily. This practical yet refined product demonstrated how functionality and elegance could coexist. Such a philosophy continues to inspire modern leather brands and B2B producers seeking to balance utility, design, and durability in international markets as a B2B leather supplier Indonesia.

In 1922, Émile-Maurice Hermès took full control and introduced the brand’s first leather handbags after crafting one for his wife, who struggled to find a suitable design. Expansion followed rapidly, including entry into the United States and the launch of women’s couture in Paris. During the 1930s, Hermès released legendary products such as the Sac Dépêches—later known as the Kelly Bag—and the iconic silk carré scarves, reinforcing the importance of innovation within a custom leather manufacturer Indonesia mindset.

Hermès continued to diversify its offerings, introducing apparel, jewelry, watches, and perfumes. Its collaboration with Swiss watchmaker Universal Genève reflected the brand’s commitment to precision and craftsmanship. The guiding philosophy—leather, sport, and refined elegance—became deeply embedded in the company’s DNA, a principle also valued by any serious leather goods manufacturer Indonesia serving discerning global buyers.

Following leadership changes in the 1950s, Hermès strengthened its brand identity with the iconic horse-and-carriage logo and signature orange box. Cultural moments, such as Grace Kelly carrying the Sac Dépêches, elevated the brand’s prestige worldwide. These moments highlight how storytelling and product excellence work together, an approach relevant for every B2B leather supplier Indonesia seeking long-term recognition.

In the late 20th century, under Jean-Louis Dumas, Hermès overcame a business decline and expanded aggressively while preserving traditional craftsmanship. Strategic collaborations, product innovation, and careful brand positioning transformed Hermès into a global luxury powerhouse. This balance between heritage and market adaptability is a valuable lesson for any custom leather manufacturer Indonesia operating in competitive export markets.

Entering the modern era, Hermès continued diversifying into homeware, fragrances, and ready-to-wear collections while maintaining strict control over quality and production. Its public listing in 1993 marked a new chapter of growth without sacrificing exclusivity, proving that scale and craftsmanship can coexist when managed strategically by a leather goods manufacturer Indonesia with strong vision.

For Indonesian leather businesses like Bagbone Leather, Hermès’ journey illustrates how consistent quality, controlled production, and brand storytelling can elevate leather products from functional goods to symbols of prestige. As a growing B2B leather supplier Indonesia, learning from global heritage brands while maintaining local craftsmanship allows Indonesian manufacturers to compete confidently in international markets and position themselves as reliable partners at the end of every successful leather supply chain.