Hermès, a French luxury brand established in 1837, has since grown to become one of the world’s leading fashion brands. With specialities in leather goods, perfumes, jewellery, home furnishings, wristwatches and many more, it’s one of the most-priced brands in the world, currently valued at over $240m. While many are familiar with its iconic Birkin bags, there are intriguing aspects of this prestigious brand that remain less known. Here are five fascinating facts about Hermès that you might not have heard before:

1. Equestrian Origins

Hermès began as a harness workshop in 1837, founded by Thierry Hermès in Paris. However, its first bag was made in 1900 and was originally designed to hold custom horse saddles. Back then, the brand specialised in creating high-quality harnesses and bridles for European noblemen. This equestrian heritage is still evident today in Hermès’ designs as they still make a wide range of products to cater to horses and horse riders alike.

2. The Birkin Bag

The famous Birkin bag was born from a chance encounter between actress Jane Birkin and then-Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight in 1984. Birkin’s struggle to find a suitable weekend bag led Dumas to design the now-iconic Birkin bag, which has since become a symbol of status and luxury. Each Birkin bag takes about 48 hours to make, and there’s always a long waitlist for the bags.

3. The Secretive “H” Stamps

Every Hermès item is marked with a unique “H” stamp, signifying its authenticity. These stamps indicate the year of production and the artisan who crafted the item. The codes are discreetly placed and change annually, adding an element of exclusivity and mystery to each piece.

4. Handmade Luxury

Hermès is renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship, with many items still handmade by skilled artisans. Each Birkin bag, for example, can take up to 18 hours to complete. The company’s commitment to quality means that every item is meticulously crafted, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of luxury.

5. Sustainable Practices

Despite being a symbol of opulence, Hermès is also committed to sustainability. The brand has implemented several eco-friendly practices, such as sourcing leather from sustainable farms and using environmentally friendly dyes. Hermès also repurposes leftover materials to create new products, reducing waste and promoting sustainability in the fashion industry.