A Deep Dive

The wonderful world of Hermès

Hi, everyone! As a special extra treat this month, we’re introducing the first edition of a new series we’re calling A Deep Dive, where we explore the stories of companies we find particularly inspiring. In March, we were invited to Paris to witness Saut Hermès, a show jumping competition the French house puts on each year that draws the top riders in the world. The pomp and circumstance of this beautiful sporting event was treat enough (see above!), but it also allowed us to understand what lies at the heart of this one-of-a-kind sixth-generation company.

Today, the house of Hermès consists of 16 individual métiers or departments of artisans. There are the famous silk métiers, the ready-to-wear métiers, the gloves métier and the newest of all, the beauty métier (this lip balm and nail polish are to die for, btw!) But the first was the equestrian métier.

Founded by Thierry Hermès in 1837, the house began as a maker of harnesses known for their elegant simplicity. They were light and durable at a time when harness designs were typically ornate and uncomfortably heavy for the horse. In 1880, Thierry’s son, Charles-Émile, opened Hermès’ now legendary first store at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore on Paris’ Left Bank, which sold made-to-measure harnesses as well as saddles. In those early days, Hèrmes was renowned for two things: beauty and utility. Their creations thought of not only the comfort and style of the rider but of the horse, too. As Chloé Nobécourt, managing director of the equestrian métier, said to us on our visit, “The spirit of the house has always been riding,” she said. “Nothing we design is without purpose”.

Of course we love Hermès scarves, ashtrays, the classic orange canvas dopp kits, the Jumbo bracelet, the Jumping Boot, and that Orange Verte bar soap in its perfect green case. But the hidden treasures (see below!) we found while exploring the equestrian métier in Paris set our hearts aflutter, not only because of their practical-yet-poetic nature, but because they are the most true and unadulterated expression of this singular house, which prizes and protects artisans and the time-honored secrets of savior-faire like no other.

The quintessential Hermès HORSE BLANKET! Woven from an extremely durable and slightly coarse wool, the reversible blanket is meant to soften and patina over time, is reasonably priced, and will look as fabulous on your thoroughbred as it will draped over the back of your sofa.

Forget High Sport! Get yourself some real performance fabric pants. These enterally classic JUMP RIDING BREECHES are high-waisted, breathable and come in cream, navy and black. Constructed from 64% cotton, 29% polyamid and 7% elastane, they slim and lift and won’t bag out.

Intended to store sugar cube treats for your horse, we think this wool SUGAR BOX is an elegant little vessel for storing cufflinks (a great gift) or other treasures and looks rather handsome resting atop a bureau.

This GROOMING BAG in herringbone twill served as the inspiration for all other Hermès bags. With calfskin straps, saddle stitching and ‘Hermes Sellier Paris’ (read: saddlery) lettering, it is the OG Hermès tote.

The unisex ROCABAR BELT is intended to loop through your riding breeches, but we love it with just about anything (with jeans or cinched over a summer dress or a linen blazer.)

This giant block of glycerin SADDLE SOAP was an item in our very first issue because we think it’s such a gorgeous objét. We love it in an outdoor shower or guest bathroom (even if it’s meant for saddles not skin.)

Designed to safely store your saddle, we think this hard-wearing SADDLE BOX, made from stainless steel and wood, is also a discretely stylish hamper for almost anything, from beach towels by the pool to extra blankets in a guest room.

The COUNTRY HORSE RIDING PARKA is definitely an investment, but has a timeless technical look you can’t really find anymore. It is waterproof, windproof, breathable and made for movement. It’s machine washable and constructed from recycled fabric. Last but not least, it has an interior strap that attaches to your leg so it stays secure while you ride—or run around town!

While we were in Paris, we had a long list of shops we’d been dying to visit. And of course we brought some goodies home with us…