Thierry Hermès began his career in 1837 making harnesses, and from the outset was fastidious in his devotion to materials, quality and craft. In 1880, Hermès and his sons introduced saddlery to their array of products.
In the 20th century, Hermès further enhanced its product range by adding accessories for women, including carrés, or silk scarves, and handbags. The techniques that for two centuries were used to craft the highest-quality saddles are still seen today in the ateliers where Hermès artisans stitch and sew Birkin and Kelly handbags by hand.
It takes a single expert craftsperson up to 40 hours to produce a Birkin bag. The stitch on which the brand’s reputation is based — the saddle — cannot be replicated by a machine, as it requires two needles simultaneously passing through the same seam. If done correctly, the saddle stitch will never unravel — either on a saddle or a Birkin.