Hermes – Messenger of the Gods

07/27/08 14:01:08

Hermēs (Greek: 'Έρμης': 'pile of marker stones'), was, in Greek mythology, the God of borders and travelers who cross them, guardian of shepherds of sheep and cows, orators, writers and poets, athletes, weights and measures, inventions and trade, skills and wisdom of gods. He was also the messenger of gods, the one who transfers gods' messages to people, governor of languages and a guide of intelligent speech.

A lucky invention is ‘hermaion’, the one who transgresses borders of the unknown is ‘hermeneus’, and Hermes also gives us the word ‘hermeneutics’ for the one who manages to interpret the hidden meaning of arts.

Hermes and Dionysius are the youngest on the Pantheon of Olympia. He is the son of god Zeus and primordial nymph Maia, one of Pleiades, who possesses utmost beauty. He was born in the cave Mt.Cyllene on Peloponnesus, between Achaia and Arcadia. Ever since he was a child, it was noticeable that he would be an ingenious god. Even though he was still in diapers, he managed to outsmart his brother Apollo and hide his herd of bulls so cleverly that Apollo had to use all his connections and his abilities of prophet to find them.

Paintings usually show him wearing a hat with wide brim, sandals with wings and helmet and with a scripter in his hands, which swirls and looks like a snake, named kerykeion, known in Latin form as ‘caduceus’. He wears robes of travelers, shepherds or workers. Many temples dedicated to Hermes were built in all parts of Greece. The center of the cult of Hermes is situated in Pheneos, Arcadia, where festival in his honour, named Hermoea take place.

Even though the name of the French house of Hermes, founded in 1837, derives from creator Thierry Hermes's name, it seemed natural to start this story with Hermes from Greek mythology, al though he was not inspiration for the name and creations by this house.

Whenever I hear the word Hermes, my associations are connected with mythology and with the French fashion house. I cannot divide them.

A parallel could be drawn through innovations and vitality of the house, sport (horse as the motive and symbol of the house), journeys (suitcases, bags, fragrances of distant destinations) and in relation to their employees (investment in education of the company's employees).

Even though the name of the house does not derive from ancient Greeks, the identical and picturesque karma of mythological Hermes can be noticed....

The house of Hermes was founded in 1837 and they were primarily known for their saddles. As it developed, the range of their products expanded. Thierry Hermes' grandson introduced suitcases and bags in their offer in 1920.

The biggest accomplishment at the opening of their sales outlet in Paris in 1920, were their silk scarves, which stayed the most popular items and best-sellers of this house. They were inspired by Napoleon's soldiers' scarves and became masculine accessories for women in the 20es of the last century. Most of Hermes' creations derive from motifs of horses, and their favourite material is leather.

Hermes' leather gallantry is a synonym of luxury and top quality. The most famous leather product is their bag Kelly. It was also presented in 1930, and its original name was Petit Sac Haut a Courroies.

It was later renamed to Kelly Bag, after Princess Kelly of Monaco in 1956, since she was the one who made this bag so famous. She appeared on the cover of the Life magazine with Hermes bag in her hands, hiding her royal pregnancy with it.

Each of these bags is unique. 18 hours of work are necessary to make one bag. There are bags with different dimensions (15, 20, 25, 28, 32, 35, 40, and 50 cm), but the most popular are those of 28 and 32 cm dimensions. The current waiting list is up to two years, depending on the size, material and quality. The price of one Kelly bag of 32 cm is around $6000.

The scent of leather, which is classic, very sensual and luxurious, is present in many perfumes of the house, as well as the theme of horse: Equipage (1970) and feminine Caleche ("Carriage") (1961). The latest perfume is Kelly Caleche (2007). The perfume evokes associations of two products by Hermes: the famous Kelly bag, which was designed by Hermes in 1930, and was the favourite bag of Grace Kelly, actress and the princess of Monaco, and the perfume Caleche, created in 1961. The perfume was created by famous Jean-Claude Ellena with respect to luxurious symbols.

Jean-Claude Ellena has been the perfumer of the house since 2004 and he created the latest perfume for men, Terre d'Hermes (2006). With arrival of the renowned perfume, Hermes started their exclusive line of Hermessence.

The latest, seventh, perfume of the collection is Brin de Reglisse – dry scent of lavender from fresh meadows. The perfumes of the Hermessence can be found only in boutiques of Hermes. (Hermessence Ambre Narguile 2004., Brin de Reglisse 2007., Osmanthe Yunnan 2005., Paprika Brasil 2006., Poivre Samarcande 2004., Rose Ikebana 2004., Vetiver Tonka 2004.)

Hermes is a luxurious brand, which does not neglect details, since they are the ones that make luxury. We enjoy not only the fragrances, one of the best perfumers of all time is in charge of, but also design of the bottles, which are simple but opulent.<br>