As its name suggests, Hermès is a French luxury design house. But, just because the name is French, what does that mean with respect to its products? Where are Hermès bags made? Where are Hermès accessories made? What about the Birkin and the Kelly?
Think about this: How many companies can you name that were ‘born in France’ and have a brand name that is French…but really, their products are produced in other countries, such as China, India, or Romania?
What about when it comes to Hermès? Is this luxury house trying to trick us? Or, does Hermès really make their products in France? Keep reading, because we found the answers!
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Where Are Hermès Bags Made?
Almost everyone knows that any item from Hermès comes with a hefty price tag. As consumers, when we spend a lot of money on something, not only do we want to get our money’s worth for that item, but we want to know where that item was made. With respect to where Hermès bags are made, you can rest easy.
According to Guillaume de Seynes, the brand’s Managing Director, leather goods are entirely made in France. Given that Hermès bags are made of leather, we can take this to mean that the company’s bags are indeed made in France.
Are Hermès Bags Made in China?
Because many luxury brands have begun to outsource their manufacturing processes to other countries, such as China, you might still be wondering if Hermès does this, too.
So, are Hermès purses made in China? The answer to that question is…no. Although Hermès has had presence in China since 1996, and is considered to be a successful luxury brand in the country, no products are actually made in China.
Is Hermès Made in France?
Based on our extensive research, products from the house of Hermès are made in France: “Hermès objects are manufactured mainly in France, across 52 production sites located in 11 different regions.”
It is also worth noting that although Hermès produces all of their items in France, the brand does have partnerships with “twelve manufacturers in other countries, [which are] located in Switzerland, Italy, the UK, the USA, Vietnam, and Australia.”
So, what does this mean, exactly? It means that Hermès sources certain materials and parts from those countries (i.e., leather, materials and fabrics, cashmere, zippers, and buttons), which are then sent to the Hermès factories in France. Once those materials have arrived in France, they are then used to assemble and complete a product, such as a bag.
Interestingly, Hermès does obtain leather from Italy, and even owns a tannery in the city of Cuneo that specializes in exotic leathers. Additionally, the brand sources materials and fabrics from Italy, such as cashmere, which are used to produce clothing.
Is Hermès Made in Italy?
Although Hermès sources materials from Italy, the brand’s bags are not made there.
Where Are Hermès Birkin Bags Made?
When a bag costs between $9,000 and $30,000, you definitely want to know where it was put together. So, just where are Hermès Birkin Bags made? You guessed it: France!
As discussed, all Hermès leather bags are exclusively made in France. Thus, one of the brand’s most lusted-after-and-hard-to-get bags– the Birkin – is made in France.
And, since we know you love the Birkin as much as we do, keep checking the blog – because we have a complete guide to the Hermès Birkin Bag coming very soon!
You might of heard of the Birkin but want to learn more about the bags from Hermès, read our Full list of Hermès bags 2023 (coming soon).
Where Are Hermès Kelly Bags Made?
Originally known as the Sac à Dépêches, Hermès’ other popular bag is the Kelly bag. We know you’re curious about this bag’s creation: Where, Exactly, Are Hermès Kelly Bags Made? Well, like the Birkin bag, Hermès’ Kelly bag is also put together in France.
The Kelly bag – which is highly sought-after – is made by a single artisan. From beginning to end, it takes a highly-trained and highly-skilled artisan between 15 to 20 hours to put together a Kelly bag, with just the bag’s handle taking up to 3 hours!
If you’re looking to add to your collection but want to make the right investment, check out our blog the Cheapest Hermès bags (coming soon).
Where Are Hermès Accessories Made?
Despite the excruciatingly high prices of Hermès bags, it is still possible to purchase items from the brand. The luxury house creates many beautiful products, including belts, scarves, and shoes. You might not be able to get your hands on a handbag, but you can certainly purchase some of the design house’s gorgeous accouterments.
But, since these objects are not (leather) handbags, just where are Hermès accessories made?
Where Are Hermès Belts Made?
Belts are one of the coolest luxury accessories to add to your wardrobe – and much more affordable compared to a handbag. Belts from Hermès are no exception. How cool does your outfit look with the addition of a luxurious leather belt with a giant, metal H!? Truly, Hermès belts add an air of ‘je ne sais quoi’ to any outfit! But, where are Hermès belts made?
Since Hermès belts are made of leather, they, too, are made in France.
Where Are Hermès Scarves Made?
When trying to channel your inner French woman (or man, or person), there is nothing cooler than adding a silk scarf to your outfit. And truly, nothing screams “I’m très chic like the people of France,” like an Hermès scarf. But, where are Hermès Scarves Made?
Hermès scarves – which are meticulously crafted from mulberry silk – are made in France. Interestingly, Hermès produces their silk scarves in a factory that is about 20-minutes from Lyon, the silk capital of France.
Where Are Hermès Shoes Made?
No outfit is complete without a great pair of shoes. Whether you’re looking to add boots, loafers, or sneakers to your wardrobe, Hermès offers some great options. So, where are Hermès shoes made?
Unlike the majority of other products from the luxury design house, Hermès shoes are not made in France. Instead, Hermès produces their shoes in Italy.
According to Guillaume de Seynes, “Italy has been able to preserve an exceptional production chain for footwear, which is no longer seen in France.” De Seynes went on to add that, “Hermès manufactures all of their shoes in Italy.”
Shopping at Hermès
Now that you know where Hermès makes their bags and other products, what are you looking to add to your closet? Bon shopping!
As many luxury handbag lovers will know, unfortunately, you can’t just walk into an Hermès boutique and buy a Birkin. It must be ordered, and there is a waiting list that is famously known to be extremely difficult to get on and then even when you’re on it the wait is long. You also can’t buy the Birkin, Kelly, or most of Hermès’s more iconic styles online.
So when it comes to buying yourself an iconic Hermès bag shopping pre-loved is your knight in shining armour. Not only does it mean you don’t have to get on a list it also means you can find unique styles and colourways. We always recommend only shopping at resellers where you can benefit from their authentication services, such as:
We strongly recommend that when you purchase any pre-loved designer piece, you should always get it authenticated by a reputable authentication service for peace of mind and protection. You can find authentication services here.
