The company was founded by Frenchman Thierry Hermes in 1837. It specialized in saddles and leathergoods during those early years. Hermes introduced its first perfume Caleche in 1961. Over the years, the Ready to Wear was designed by Jacques Delahaye,Catherine De Karolyi, Monsieur Levaillant, Nicole De Vesian, Eric Bergere, Claude Brouet, Tan Giudicelli, Marc Audibet and Mariot Chane. Since 1998, the collection has been designed by Martin Margiela.