In a real-life fairy tale of wealth and inheritance, some French Gen Zers have seen their fortunes transform overnight, thanks to a distant family connection to one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands: Hermès, making Gen Z relatives now millionaires.
Hermès: A Legacy of Luxury and Craftsmanship
With its name attached to elegance and sophistication, Hermès has been a fashion industry legend for almost 200 years. Thierry Hermès established the business in Paris in 1837 as a modest workshop that produced fine saddles and harnesses for carriages pulled by horses. The business changed with the times, adapting and adding a wide variety of upscale products to its portfolio.
From Saddles to Fashion Icon
Hermès started to focus more on fashion and accessories in the early 20th century rather than horse supplies. The descendants of Thierry Hermès pushed this shift after realizing the potential of their skills in a larger market. Hermès began establishing a reputation for itself in the 1920s thanks to its leather products, which included the now-iconic Birkin and Kelly handbags.
The Birkin and Kelly Bags
Among Hermès's most recognizable items are the Kelly bag, named for Grace Kelly, and the Birkin bag, named for actress Jane Birkin. The Kelly bag, which dates back to the 1930s, is praised for its exquisite, structured shape, while the Birkin, which debuted in 1984, is renowned for its roomy design and rarity. Crafted by expert artisans, these handbags are composed of premium materials such as exotic leathers like ostrich and alligator.
A Symbol of Wealth and Status
Hermès has continued to be associated with exclusivity and richness over time. Because of their high price tags and limited availability, the brand's products are frequently viewed as status symbols. By maintaining a high standard of craftsmanship and meticulously managing the supply of its products, the company has been able to maintain its attractiveness.
Hermès keeps its exclusive image in part because of its price points, which are among the most direct. Hermès products may be quite expensive, particularly its iconic pieces like the Birkin and Kelly purses. Depending on the materials and expertise used, the cost of these bags can vary from several thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars. This high price point supports the brand's positioning as a luxury good available to a limited number of people in addition to reflecting the high caliber of the items.
Craftsmanship and Quality
Hermès' reputation is built around its outstanding workmanship. Expert artisans educated in the brand's traditional methods painstakingly create each piece. Hermès makes sure that every item fulfills the greatest standards of quality by using only the finest materials, such as rare and exotic leathers. Hermès items are made with a high degree of workmanship and attention to detail, which adds to their timeless appeal and longevity.
Global Influence
Currently, Hermès is not only a French luxury label but also a universal representation of luxury style. The company has outlets all over the world, from Tokyo to New York to Paris, and its impact goes much beyond its starting point. Fashionistas and collectors alike are drawn to its items, and the brand is still well-known in the luxury industry.
Hermès is a unique combination of exceptional workmanship, a long heritage, and timeless elegance. The brand's enduring success and significance in the fashion industry are proof of its dedication to excellence and its capacity to change with the times without sacrificing its history.
The Hermès Family Legacy
The Hermès family has had a big impact on the business. The brand's prosperity has been sustained by the descendants of Thierry Hermès, who have upheld its principles. Numerous family members hold prominent roles within the corporation, and the family is well-known for its engagement in its operations. For instance, the executive chairman of Hermès at the moment is Axel Dumas, a descendant of the sixth generation.
Who is Wilfried Guerrand?
Despite not being a direct heir to the Hermès corporation, French businessman Wilfried Guerrand has a significant relationship with the high-end apparel line. Guerrand, who was born in 1971, is a distant cousin of Thierry Hermès, the founder of the luxury house.
Family and Wealth
Despite his significant contribution to Hermès, Guerrand’s wealth and influence are relatively modest compared to the more direct descendants of Thierry Hermès. The Hermès family, including those with direct lineage to the founder, holds a vast fortune and considerable influence in the luxury fashion industry. Guerrand's own net worth, estimated at around €21.6 million ($23.9 million), is substantial but pales in comparison to the wealth of his more directly connected relatives.
Business Development
Wilfried Guerrand, a 53-year-old distant relative of Thierry Hermès, has made headlines by giving his children a remarkable gift. Guerrand, who has worked for the Hermès family firm for nearly three decades, recently transferred thousands of shares to his four children. This act of generosity has instantly turned them into millionaires.
According to regulatory documents reviewed by Bloomberg, Guerrand’s children—Sixtine, 25; Stanislas, 20; Mathias, 19; and Albane, 18—each received 450 shares, making them instant millionaires. With Guerrand's net worth reportedly around €21.6 million ($23.9 million), the shares have appreciated significantly, thanks in large part to the soaring value of Hermès stock. Since 2022, the value of these shares has more than doubled, leading to a total worth of €3.9 million ($4.3 million) for the siblings. To put it in perspective, this amount could buy around 37 Birkin 20 Matte Alligator bags, based on estimates from Sotheby's.
Even with this impressive fortune, the Guerrand family’s wealth is modest compared to that of their more direct relatives. The Hermès family, which includes the Dumas, Guerrand, and Puech surnames, remains one of the wealthiest in France. Collectively, Thierry Hermès's direct descendants boast a staggering net worth of $170.1 billion. The family’s influence is also evident in the company's leadership, with Axel Dumas, a sixth-generation descendant of Thierry Hermès, serving as the executive chairman.
This story not only highlights the incredible financial growth associated with Hermès but also serves as a reminder of how family connections and strategic investments can shape fortunes across generations.
THE UNCOMMON BREED
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