The French luxury goods house, Hermes, began as a harness workshop in Paris in 1837. It introduced the first ladies’ bags with zip closures. The company expanded into riding gloves, belts, and men’s and women’s sportswear, and designed the travel trunks to meet the new arising need of the youth. Not to mention the complete Hermes home collection of bed and bath linens, furniture, silverware, crystal and porcelain, office accessories, and baby gifts. Jean Paul Gaultier joined the house of Hermes as women’s ready-to-wear designer in 2004–2005. Gaultier took the brand full circle and gave a high-fashion spin to the label. There are over 240 Hermes boutiques internationally.
Hermes new collection "Aviator & Sport Chic", by Hermes women’s ready-to-wear designer Jean Paul Gautier, was derived from the first female pilot. The new spring trend emphasizes scarf worn as bandannas, ponchos, square-cut cashmere knits and jersey day dresses. Elaborate accessories, suede riding boots, mirrored aviators, driving/riding gloves, slim crocodile envelope clutches and leather suitcases. Sweatbands and pleated skirts are also back in the Hermes house. Jean Paul Gaultier also served different kinds of tennis skirts varying from long line cardigans to club t-shirts.
Hermes spring collection is all about spending thousands. Ten thousand plus handbags, gym bags and leather tennis ball carriers were all aimed at the country club chic crowd. The accessories line had dominant tennis influence, rightly so because people who can afford snake skin bags belong to some club or the other.
Hermes has collaborated with prominent New York designers, such as Rogelio Velasco, Proenza Schouler, Derek Lam and Ralph Lauren. Artistic vision blended with architectural elements defines Hermes. The celebrity client list of Hermes includes Madonna, Martha Stewart, Julianne Moore, Nicole Kidman and Elle Macpherson.