VIBE

Since its founding in 1837 as a luxury harness workshop specializing in hand-tooled leather frippery for the aristocracy, the house of Hermès has been an exclusive one. Though the original harnesses live on only in the label’s equestrian logo, the clientele–a mix of well-coiffed ladies from the world over–remain ever in the upper crust. Its signature scarves (which are still handcrafted from the Hermès cache of 200,000 custom dyes and count Queen Elizabeth II, Anna Wintour, and Madonna among their fans) are the line’s bestseller, but the elegant St-Honoré flagship also sells jewelry, trunks, handbags, collectibles, and a small range of men and womenswear.

USE A PURCHASE FROM HERE FOR

A gift; upping the chic factor of any outfit

WHY WE LIKE IT

A visit to the legendary flagship, with its iconic orange awnings and eye-catching displays, is a Paris-must for any shopaholic worth her weight. We always pick up a couple of scarves when we’re in town–they’re a Parisian classic, make great gifts, and (best of all) hardly take up any space in our suitcases.

GOOD TO KNOW

Some cool trivia: during the holiday season, one Hermès scarf is sold every 20 seconds, and in the early 20th century, Hermès acquired rights to the newly invented zipper, becoming the first ever to offer it in France (on a golf jacket made exclusively for the Prince of Wales, no less). Hermès products are stocked by luxury retailers worldwide.

OTHER LOCATIONS

6th Arr. (Paris); 8th Arr. - Ave. George V (Paris); various locations worldwide

CLOSEST COMPS

Asprey (London); Louis Vuitton (Paris)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Paris