Hermès: dalla selleria parigina al vertice del collezionismo globale

Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès as a harness workshop for the Parisian elite, Hermès has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands. With an identity rooted in craftsmanship, exclusivity, and timeless aesthetics, it has transcended trends to become not only a cultural icon but also a cornerstone of the global collectibles market. From a small equestrian atelier to a publicly traded company valued at over €200 billion, Hermès represents a unique case in the world of high-end collecting.

A Counter-Cycle Growth Model

Unlike many luxury conglomerates that pursue scale and visibility, Hermès has always embraced a philosophy of scarcity and vertical integration. Every bag is handmade by a single artisan and can require 20–25 hours of meticulous work. The company has resisted offshoring, maintaining almost all its production in France, and has created a closed ecosystem that enhances the perception of rarity and prestige.

The result? Demand consistently exceeds supply. Waitlists for the iconic Birkin and Kelly bags can span years, while the secondary market has become the ultimate barometer of desirability. According to Rebag, the resale value of a Birkin can exceed 130% of its retail price, with special editions fetching six-figure sums at auction.

The Collecting Boom and the Secondary Market

The global luxury handbag market surpassed $72 billion in 2023, with forecasts predicting it will reach $94 billion by 2028 (Pambianco). Hermès holds one of the most solid and profitable shares in this space, often outperforming traditional stock investments. The Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index 2025 reports that Hermès bags have shown an average annual appreciation of +17% over the past decade.

Major auction houses such as Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Finarte now dedicate entire sales to Hermès bags. Record-breaking pieces like the Himalaya Birkin have sold for over €400,000. Yet even more common models are enjoying strong appreciation, especially when preserved in excellent condition and accompanied by original invoices and dust bags.

Why Collect Hermès

Collecting Hermès means owning an object that fuses exceptional craftsmanship, cultural prestige, and market resilience. These bags are more than status symbols — they’re part of the legacy of French design and artisanal excellence. Every detail, from the type of leather to the precious metal hardware, is handled with near-obsessive precision. Furthermore, Hermès’ policy of never discounting and regularly retiring models reinforces both exclusivity and scarcity.

Younger collectors, too, are turning to Hermès as a cornerstone of luxury portfolios. And not just bags: belts, accessories, vintage scarves, and home objects have become sought-after collectibles, often delivering surprising resale performance.