once upon a time…..

…it all began with harness. in 1837, thierry hermès established “hermès” as a harness workshop in paris, dedicated to serve rich noblemen. he created some of the finest wrought harnesses and bridles for the carriage trade and earned several prices.

his son charles-émile took over the management in 1880. he introduced saddlery into their business and moved the store to 24 rue du faubourg saint-honoré, where it remained until today. in 1900, hermès created the “haut à courroies bag”, specially designed for horse riders to carry their saddles along.

in 1922, the first leather handbags were introduced after the wife of charles-émile’s son émile-maurice complained of not finding a suitable one to her liking. so he simply designed a women handbag collection himself.

the first women’s couture apparel collection was previewed in paris in 1929. during the 1930s, hermès produced some of its most recognized and classy goods: the leather sac à dépêches (later renamed the “kelly bag” after grace kelly) the hermès carrés (scarves) and the very fashionable d’ancre bracelet.

it went on with suitcases, perfumes, watches, porcelain…..as of 2008, hermès has 14 product divisions encompassing leather, scarves, ties, men’s wear, women’s fashion, perfume, watches, stationery, footwear, gloves, enamel, decorative arts, tableware, and jewelry.

today, a new chapter in this fairy tale unveiled. in may the worlds’s first hermès luxury apartment was introduced, entirely decorated by and with hermès. this unique property is located in paterson hill in singapore. careful by looking at the pictures: possibly you won’t like your apartment afterwards