Hermes handbags embody French simplicity and elegance. For nearly 200 years, the fashion house has strived for excellence, achieving it time and time again.
From the Birkin bag to the Kelly, Hermes meets the needs of their discerning clients and continues to revolutionize the fashion world. With humble beginnings in equestrian accessories, Hermes is now a global leader in luxury handbags and purses. An Hermes bag means exceptional artisanship, and whether you buy the bag new in Paris or from an Hermes bag resale store like The Purse Ladies, you can expect the best.
Six Generations of Parisian Perfection
In 1837, Thierry Hermes opened an equestrian accessories workshop in Paris. Specializing in lightweight horse harnesses, Hermes focused his efforts on anticipating and meeting his customers' needs. Within 30 years, the craftsmanship of his work was recognized at the Universal Exhibition, earning Hermes a prestigious award for quality and technical achievement.
Charles-Emile Hermes, the second-generation Hermes man to lead the company, opened a Parisian storefront for the growing brand in 1880. This step was made as they began to expand throughout Europe. The Hermes harnesses, saddles, and other accessories were found to be very successful in the market, allowing Thierry Hermes' grandson, Emile, to take over and usher in the third generation of the Hermes brand.
Emile Hermes quickly began to expand the scope of production and look at handbags. In 1916, Emile traveled from France to North America and visited Henry Ford's factory. During this visit, he was introduced to a new technology: the zipper. Hermes then became the first brand to use zippers in leatherworking.
This innovation led to the birth of the Bolide line, designed in 1923 for travelers to access their belongings easily. Emile was the first Hermes heir to release a ready-to-wear footwear collection, jewelry, and watches. In the 1920s, this set the fashion house up for success, and the next three generations of Hermes heirs were able to continue the brand.
With four daughters and no sons, Emile Hermes left the family brand to his son-in-law, Robert Dumas. Dumas introduced the Hermes silk scarf as well as the Kelly bag, one of the industry's most highly coveted pre-owned Hermes bags.
Robert Dumas's son, Jean-Louis, continued his family's history of innovation, quality, and expansion. In a chance encounter between Jean-Louis and global superstar Jane Birkin, the one and only Birkin bag was born in 1984. The Birkin became one of the most desirable handbags ever made. It is still making waves in the Hermes bag resale market.
Hermes has always held family and innovation at the core. What began as a family company producing high-quality horse harnesses has now become a global fashion leader.
A Princess, an Actress, and Bags That Changed the World
Since the 1920s, Hermes has been producing quality handbags beloved by their loyal customers. In 1956 a handbag designed by Robert Dumas was photographed in the hands of one of the most notable and famous women on the planet: Grace Kelly. The American actress and Princess of Monaco held the Sac à Dépêches bag. The photograph was such a sensation that the bag was renamed the Kelly in her honor. The Kelly bag launched the French Hermes brand into global stardom.
In 1984, an airborne encounter had another monumental impact on the company as Jean-Louis Dumas happened to be seated next to world-famous actress Jane Birkin. During the flight, the actress's purse broke, and Dumas listened to her complaints that there wasn't a fashionable bag big enough to fit all of her belongings as both a mother and a working woman.
And thus, the Birkin bag was born. With a roomy interior and even a pocket for baby bottles, the handbag was well-loved by the actress and by collectors around the globe. Today, artisans must train for five years before they are allowed to create a Birkin bag on their own. A testament to the house's excellence, the Birkin bag is an exclusive piece for which customers have been rumored to wait for years before receiving their own. Kellys and Birkins are forever in high demand among used Hermes bags for sale.
Hermes at The Purse Ladies
Hermes resale handbags hold their value incredibly well when compared to other luxury handbag brands. If you are looking to buy or sell pre-owned Hermes bags, The Purse Ladies are here to help. We simplify the selling process so that it is quick, easy, and painless for you.
If you are searching for your next designer purse, our team of expert authenticators will ensure that you walk away with a genuine and certified piece. If you are in the Boca Raton area, visit our storefront for a fabulous in-person experience, or browse our collection of used Hermes handbags and purses online.