What do saddles, exquisite leather bags, and Haute Couture all have in common? Hermès, of course. Wait. Couture? Since when does Hermès do Couture? Well, it doesn’t (yet), but the brand has announced plans to venture into Couture in the coming years.
For nearly two centuries, Hermès has been a synonym for ultra-luxury. Back in 1837, Thierry Hermès set up shop in Paris with a single focus: crafting the world’s finest saddles. Fast forward through decades of meticulous craftsmanship, leather goods transforming into coveted symbols, a steady ascent to global recognition, and what do you have? A brand is synonymous with quality, exclusivity, and luxury. And now the storied French house is gearing up for its next monumental leap: Haute Couture.
By 2026 or 2027, Hermès will enter the most elite corner of fashion. Far from being a mere marketing ploy, this is an opportunity for Hermès to flex its artisanal muscles and enhance its already formidable reputation. The announcement came straight from the top. During the presentation of Hermès’ annual results in January 2025, CEO Axel Dumas confirmed that the brand would be launching its first-ever haute couture collection within the next two to three years.
Hermès is hardly struggling for relevance. The house has just crossed the €15 billion sales mark, with its ready-to-wear division alone bringing in a staggering €4.4 billion in 2024. But for a brand that has built an empire on exquisite craftsmanship, Haute Couture is more than just an expansion—it’s the next natural evolution. “What interests us in haute couture is the know-how,” Dumas explained. “We already have a very, very high level, incredible quality of leather, and we said to ourselves: why not?”
That “why not?” is a power move. It signals Hermès’ intent to cement itself as not just a luxury giant but an undisputed leader of artisanal excellence. In a market where rarity is the ultimate currency, Couture allows Hermès to cater to an even smaller, wealthier, and more discerning clientele—the kind for whom exclusivity isn’t just a perk; it’s a requirement.
The Parisian Maison is expected to invest heavily in new ateliers and specialized artisans to meet the notoriously stringent standards of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.
Vertical integration, a long-standing Hermès strategy, will be key. The brand already owns and operates its leather and jewelry workshops, ensuring full control over quality. Expect the same meticulous oversight in Couture, where every stitch, seam, and silhouette will be pure Hermès—impeccable, understated, and wildly expensive.
With Hermès entering Haute Couture, we’re looking at a seismic shift in the industry. Expect an even greater emphasis on artisanal expertise, an even tighter definition of exclusivity, and a new gold standard in the world of ultra-luxury fashion.
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