Hermès breathes tradition and lineage.  From its origin as a saddlery company in 1837, Hermès has grown into a true luxury global brand with boutiques across the world.  The most recognizable product is its iconic silk scarf – though among cognoscenti it is probably the Kelly and Birkin bags (which you will not see in the store since there are year long waiting lists for them).  The handbag collection is composed of exquisitely crafted pieces (each made by one artisan) with only the finest leathers and exotic skins and precious metals.  No wonder though that the price tags start at the top end of four figures and sometimes reach six!  There is also a full line of men’s and women’s clothes, perfumes, and a home line with linens, furniture, and crystal.  Of course, as befitting its saddlery origins, Hermès has a wide line of leather accessories extending from the personal to the office.  Gaultier is currently the chief designer at Hermès though he has toned down his “l’enfant terrible” image of a decade ago.

The store on Madison is tradition itself with wood-paneling galore and merchandise in glass cases – often you might wonder if a particular piece is just on display as in a museum or whether your American Express card with no limit might actually allow you to wear it!