In 1837 Thierry Hermes opened his workshop making the finest quality harnesses and saddles in the heart of Paris. Today, it remains a family company whose focus is on ensuring that beauty, functionality, practicality and pure indulgence are in perfect harmony. Hermès’ wait lists are nearly as famous as its equine iconography. A Kelly bag requires roughly 20 hours of work by an expert team—and, for the purchaser, the patience to postpone gratification for as long as two years.