Discover

Made in France: How Hermès & Louis Vuitton’s Fight to Keep Luxury Authentic

Hermès and Louis Vuitton are doubling down on what China can’t replicate: centuries of savoir-faire, painstaking craftsmanship, and the intangible elitism of “Made in France”.

Por: Raquel Seijas April 25, 2025

The lesson of Hermès and Louis Vuitton? True luxury can't be coded, rushed, or replicated—only centuries can build it. / Photo Louis Vuitton

This isn’t just heritage preservation—it’s a strategic siege against the massification of luxury. Where Chinese factories leverage speed and scalability, Hermès and Louis Vuitton weaponized: scarcity, human touch, and the art of the unreachable.

While global markets debate the merits of “Made in China,” these iconic houses reaffirm their commitment to artisanal excellence, heritage, and bespoke experiences—proving that real luxury is handcrafted .. and in France.

Hermès and Louis Vuitton, leaders in high luxury, offer something authentically rare: objects that are not just purchased, but earned.

In the first three months of 2025, Hermès reported some impressive sales. They made €4.129 billion, which is 8.5% more than the year before. And their leather goods sales went up by 10%.

This impressive performance helped Hermès solidify its spot as the world’s most valuable luxury company, with a market capitalization of $276.3 billion, edging out LVMH’s $275 billion valuation.

Hermès: Where Time Stands Still for Perfection

Founded in 1837 as a harness workshop in Paris, Hermès has spent 188 years perfecting the art of luxury. Today, its 20 ateliers across France employ thousands of artisans who spend 15-20 hours crafting a single Birkin bag—each stitch, cut, and polish done by hand (by artisans who train for more than 5 years).

This is why celebrities, heiresses, and collectors don’t just buy Hermès—they invest in it. A Birkin isn’t a bag; it’s a future heirloom, with values that appreciate like fine art.

By 2028, one of four new workshops (Colombelles, L’Isle d’Espagnac, Loupes, Charleville-Mézières) will open, adding 1,000+ jobs and ensuring every product—from leather goods to silk scarves—bears the indelible mark of French savoir-faire.

The workshops are a long-term project, because Hermès refuses to industrialize its process: true luxury cannot be rushed.

Louis Vuitton’s Mon Monogram: The Ultimate Personalized Power Move

While Hermès guards its exclusivity through scarcity, Louis Vuitton offers a different kind of rarity: the power to co-create.

The Mon Monogram service isn’t just customization—it’s a dialogue between client and craftsman. Here’s how it works:

Choose Your Canvas: Models eligible for personalization include the Travel Set, which includes the Keepall, Horizon, Trio Poche Toilette Monogram, Christopher Backpack, OnTheGo Monogram, Passport Cover and other products.

Make It Unmistakably Yours: Initials in bold hues (electric blue, racing red) or subdued classics (ivory, noir). Stripes in contrasting tones, applied with the same precision Vuitton has used since 1854. Patches inspired by Art Nouveau or Belle Époque—because even personalization should feel historic.

Three Weeks to Delivery—A Miracle in Craftsmanship: While fast fashion brands churn out thousands of units a day, LV’s artisans take 21 days to hand-paint, cure, and assemble each Mon Monogram piece.

Why does this matter? Because in a world of instant gratification, Louis Vuitton makes you wait for greatness—just as Hermès does.

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida por Hermès (@hermes)

Q&As: The Power Behind the Brands

How many brands does LVMH own? LVMH is the parent company of 75 prestigious brands across various sectors, including fashion, cosmetics, wines and spirits, and more.
What is Mon Monogram service? LVMH’s crown jewel, Louis Vuitton, answers the demand for personalized luxury with its Mon Monogram service—a digital and in-store experience where clients co-create one-of-a-kind pieces
When was Hermès founded? In 1837, originally as a harness workshop in Paris, evolving into a renowned luxury brand known for its leather goods, fashion, and accessories.
What kind of products does Hermès manufacture? Hermès specializes in a diverse range of luxury products, including leather goods, handbags, silk scarves, jewelry, watches, and fragrance, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail and quality.
How does Hermès showcase its commitment to craftsmanship? Hermès operates 20 workshops across France, employing skilled artisans dedicated to creating high-quality products, and recently announced plans to open four additional workshops to meet growing demand.