Introduction to Hermès
Hermès is one of the oldest and most revered names in luxury fashion. Founded in Paris in 1837, the house built its reputation on equestrian leather goods — saddles, bridles, harnesses — before expanding into the handbags, silk scarves, and accessories that define it today. The Birkin and Kelly bags remain the most coveted pieces in fashion, and the silhouettes they defined have inspired a generation of designer-inspired accessories. This is the story of how Hermès became Hermès.
The Mythological Origins of Hermes
Hermes, the messenger of the gods in Greek mythology, is a multifaceted deity with a rich and intriguing background. Legend has it that Hermes was born to Zeus, the king of the gods, and Maia, a mountain nymph. Known for his cunning and dexterity, Hermes was also the god of trade, thieves, travelers, and even shepherds. His iconic winged sandals and caduceus became symbols of swiftness and commerce, reflecting his diverse roles in ancient Greek society. Moreover, Hermes was believed to guide souls to the underworld and was a mediator between the gods and mortals.
Hermes in Ancient Greek Society
In Ancient Greek society, Hermes was associated with various roles: messenger of the gods, patron of commerce and trade, guide of souls, and trickster figure. His symbol, the caduceus, remains a recognized emblem of commerce and negotiation. His presence symbolized communication, trade, and the mysterious realms beyond the mundane.
Hermes in Art and Literature
Hermes is a prominent figure in art and literature — depicted with winged sandals and a caduceus, symbolizing swiftness and commerce. In literature he appears as mediator between gods and mortals, and as a trickster whose cunning drives the narrative forward. Writers have drawn upon his multifaceted nature to explore themes of communication, travel, and wit.
The Hermès Brand: From Saddles to Icons
The fashion house that bears his name was founded by Thierry Hermès in Paris in 1837, originally producing high-quality harnesses and saddles for European nobility. As the carriage gave way to the automobile, Hermès pivoted — applying the same craftsmanship to leather bags, silk scarves, gloves, and eventually ready-to-wear. The orange box and the H became among the most recognized symbols in luxury fashion.
The Birkin bag arrived in 1984, born from a chance encounter on a flight between Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. The Kelly had existed since the 1930s as the Sac à dépêches, but was renamed in the 1950s after Grace Kelly was photographed carrying one. Both bags became symbols of a world where access matters as much as price — where the waiting list and the boutique relationship are part of the product.
Hermès in Modern Fashion
The house continues to hold its position by doing almost the opposite of what every other luxury brand does: it restricts supply rather than expanding it, raises prices annually, and maintains a manufacturing process where a single artisan builds an entire bag by hand. The Birkin and Kelly remain the most scrutinized objects in the resale market, with pristine examples consistently outperforming traditional investments.
The silhouettes have also inspired a broader culture of designer-inspired accessories — miniature versions that carry the reference without the boutique relationship or the price tag.
Designer-inspired bag charms from Trendy Minis
The Birkin and Kelly silhouettes that defined Hermès' legacy now exist in miniature form. The Birkin-inspired mini bag charm captures the double-handle arch and structured body that made the original iconic. The Birkin Faubourg charm brings the rarest Birkin variant to charm scale in 22 colors. The Kelly charm and Kelly Mini Classic translate that trapezoid silhouette into everyday accessories.
Browse the full designer-inspired bag charm collection →
Browse all designer-inspired bag charms → | Birkin vs Kelly: key distinctions →
