I consider Hermes to be the number one luxury brand for multiple reasons: the first being that Hermes has remained a family owned corporation throughout the ages. Unlike LVMH and PPR Luxury Group, which are controlled by business executives seeking to take over and exploit the most marketable luxury fashion brands in order to make a profit, Hermes has remained a family owned brand.

Another great aspect of the company is the Hermes production strategy. Hermes produces the vast majority of their products in-house in order to control production and ensure quality standards. Unlike the hand-made products of the past, many of today’s most sought after products are produced in third world countries where labor and production costs are cheaper. This has resulted in a significant reduction in quality, and also an increase in mass production throughout the fashion industry. Another quality of Hermes that sets the company apart from other luxury brands is their growth strategy. The Hermes family has continued to control the majority of stock ownership in the company. The company strives for steady, organic growth based on classic product offerings. Hermes has avoided infiltrating new markets through franchises, and has maintained company ownership of retail boutiques. Mimi Tompkins of U.S. News & World Report referred to Hermes as “one of Paris’ best guarded jewels.”

Over time, Hermes has continued to differentiate itself from other luxury brand tycoons. Limited edition collaborations with the fine arts realm serve as a was for Hermes to cater to a rich niche market which still holds high quality as the number one value when shopping for new products. One can tell that Hermes is the greatest of the luxury brands simply by looking at the characteristics of luxury: Hermes products are rare, and of the upmost quality.