The company was founded by Frenchman Thierry Hermes(Hermes jewelry) in 1837. It specialized in saddles and leathergoods during those early years.

One of its early designers was Lola PRUSAC. It's first women collection was shown in Paris in 1929. The Hermes scarf was introduced in the early 1930s. The handbag made famous by Grace Kelly in 1956 was actually first manufactured almost 20 years earlier in 1930.(Hermes jewelry) Haute Couture collection was stopped in 1956, but they continued to give shows during the European Fashion Week.