Hermes

Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermes, the house of Hermes was originally a saddle company. It wasn't until the turn of the 20th century, that Emile-Maurice Hermes took over the luxury French brand and shifted its focus away from the horse and towards travel. Hermes began to manufacture trunks, bags, and overnight cases from its signature saddle leather. For his spring/summer 2008 collection, chief designer Jean-Paul Gaultier gave the house of Hermes a steamy North African feel.