Hermès was founded in Paris in 1837 by Thierry Hermès as a maker of harnesses and saddles. The house later moved into leather goods, silk and ready-to-wear, and its handbags are made by individual craftsmen in its own workshops in France. The Kelly and the Birkin, introduced in 1984, are among the most sought-after bags in the world.
The Birkin and Kelly are available in different sizes, leathers such as Togo, Swift and Clemence, and in limited editions such as the Picnic models with wicker. Other bags include the Lindy and the Constance, alongside Hermès shoes and sandals. The house also produces watches through La Montre Hermès, including the Arceau, Cape Cod and H08.