ALL THE SECRETS OF

THE LUXURY HOUSES

HERMÈS
 BASIC INFORMATION
- Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermés, specializing initially in hand-crafted leather
saddles.
- Diversified product range includes leather goods, lifestyle accessories, home
furnishings, perfumery, jewelry, and watches.
- Current net worth of approximately 20.5 billion Euros, making Hermés one of
today's most valuable companies.
- Iconic logo depicting a ducal horse-drawn carriage has been in use since the 1950s.
THE HERMÈS BIRKIN BAG
- Hermès' popular product: The Birkin bag, inspired by actress and singer Jane
Birkin.
- Origin story: In 1984, Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas sat next to Jane Birkin on a
flight from Paris to London.
- Jane's request: Jane, known for her straw basket, asked if Hermès would design a
larger travel bag after her straw basket was run over by a car.
- Collaborative effort: During the flight, Jean-Louis and Jane sketched a black
leather tote based on Hermès' earlier design, the Haut à Courroies from 1900.
HOW TO GET A BIRKIN?
- The Birkin bag reigns as the world's most popular and expensive handbag.
- Acquiring a Birkin involves a stringent process:
- Establishing a significant purchasing history at Hermés.
- Eligibility granted through personal Hermés sales assistant.
- Options abound with numerous sizes, leather types (e.g., crocodile, ostrich), and colors.
- Prices range from $30,000 to $300,000, with exceptional cases exceeding $2 million at
auctions.
- Rarity and craftsmanship contribute to the extraordinary value of select Birkin bags,
such as the Sac Bijou Birkin adorned with rose gold diamonds and fine gold hardware, of
which only three exist.
CHANEL
BASIC INFORMATION
- Founded and named after Gabrielle Chanel, famously known as Coco Chanel.
- Under her leadership, Chanel evolved from a Parisian boutique into a globally
renowned luxury brand.
- Coco Chanel's vision and innovation propelled the company's growth.
- Chanel is now a multi-billion dollar international fashion powerhouse.
THE HISTORY OF THE BRAND

- Chanel originated as a boutique in Paris, established by Coco Chanel in a flat

owned by Étienne Balsan, a socialite and textile businessman.
- Chanel's presence in the Balsan flat allowed Coco to interact with the French elite,
including demi-mondaine mistresses, who were fashion-forward women associated
with wealthy men.
- Coco capitalized on this opportunity by selling the hats she designed, earning her
own income independent of Balsan.
- Coco's relationship with Arthur "Boy" Capel, another socialite and polo player, led
to his financing of her first independent millinery shop, Chanel Modes.
- Chanel maintains Coco's original design ethos of elegance and sophistication,
setting it apart from other luxury houses, albeit with premium price points.
 THE STORY BEHIND CHANEL
NO. 5

- Chanel No. 5 fragrance stands out as one of the company's most renowned
products.
- Commissioned by Coco Chanel in 1921, Ernest Beaux was tasked with creating a
perfume to complement Chanel's fashion lines.
- Beaux's creation, Chanel No. 5, derived its name from the sample number preferred
by Coco.
- Initially distributed as a gift to clients, its overwhelming popularity led La Maison
Chanel to introduce it for sale in 1922.
VERSACE
 BASIC INFORMATION
- Versace, an Italian luxury fashion company, was founded by Gianni Versace in
1978, renowned for its bold prints and vibrant colors.
- The company manufactures Italian-made ready-to-wear clothing and accessories,
alongside haute couture through its Atelier Versace line.
- Inspired by his Calabrian roots, Gianni Versace chose the Medusa figure from
Greek mythology as the company logo.
- Medusa, a symbol of power and allure, reflects Versace's fusion of Italian and
Greek influences in its designs and ethos.
GIANNI’S VERSACE AND
AFTER
- During the GianniHIS
Versace era, Versace clothing gained popularity among
numerous celebrities, including Elizabeth Hurley, Elton John, Michael Jackson,
Princess Diana, and Princess Caroline of Monaco.
- Tragically, Gianni Versace was fatally shot at his Miami Beach villa on July 15,
1997, by the sociopathic spree killer Andrew Cunanan.
- Following Gianni's death, his brother Santo assumed the role of CEO, while his
sister Donatella became the creative director and head of design for the company.
- Donatella Versace has since ensured that her brother's legacy is honored, leading
the company to its current golden age.
REPRESENTING VERSACE
- The company boasts an extensive roster of models and supermodels renowned
worldwide.
- Versace showcases its designs on runways and at prestigious events, featuring
notable figures like the Hadid sisters: Gigi and Bella, Naomi Campbell, Kendall &
Kylie Jenner, Irina Shayk, Cindy Crawford, Dua Lipa, Margot Robbie, America
Ferrera, and Taylor Swift.
BALENCIAGA
BASIC INFORMATION
- Balenciaga, a luxury fashion house, was founded in 1919 by Spanish couturier
Cristóbal Balenciaga.
- Initially establishing his boutique in San Sebastián, Spain, Balenciaga quickly
expanded with branches in Madrid and Barcelona.
- Balenciaga gained recognition as his designs were worn by the Spanish royal
family and aristocracy.
- Due to the Spanish Civil War, Balenciaga relocated to Paris, where he continued his
fashion endeavors.
- Despite the Nazi occupation of Paris, Balenciaga was one of the few companies
permitted to operate, likely due to his ties to Spanish dictator Francisco Franco, for
whom he designed clothing.
FROM CRISTÓBAL TO
CONTROVERSY
- Cristóbal's fashion house closed in 1968, and he passed away in 1972.
- In 1986, luxury goods multinational corporation Kering acquired full ownership of
the brand and appointed Nicolas Ghesquière.
- Since then, the brand underwent a transformation, moving from inspiration rooted
in the Spanish Renaissance to establishing its own modern style.
- The brand embraced extravagance and controversy, producing bold and sometimes
controversial pieces.
- Recent controversies include designs resembling Nazi swastikas and inappropriate
campaign materials featuring children and texts about child rape.
ANSWEAR KEY:
1. a
2. a
3. b
4. a
5. c
6. b
7. a
8. b
9. b
10. c
11. b
12. b
HOW TO SPOT A FAKE
DESIGNER HANDBAG IN 7
STEPS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-07fx9vAQg8
THANK YOU FOR YOUR
KIND ATTENTION!