robert dumas hermes ,Six generations of artisans ,robert dumas hermes, In the late 1930s, his son-in-law Robert Dumas suggested the company expand its racing silks into scarves and neckties, and Dumas designed several himself. In the 1950s, he took over the company from Émile-Maurice and ran it respectably for three decades. $204.00

Jean-Louis Robert Frédéric Dumas, born on February 2, 1938, and passing on May 1, 2010, was a French businessman whose legacy is intimately tied to the global luxury brand Hermès. As the chairman of the Hermès Group from 1978 to 2006, Robert Dumas played an instrumental role in shaping the luxury goods empire into the powerhouse it is today. Under his leadership, Hermès became not just a French luxury brand, but a global symbol of craftsmanship, heritage, and sophistication. Dumas is remembered as the visionary who preserved and promoted the core values of Hermès while navigating it through changing global markets, ensuring that the brand not only survived but flourished in an increasingly competitive luxury industry.
The Early Life of Robert Dumas
Robert Dumas was born into a family with deep ties to the arts and craftsmanship. His father, Thierry Hermès, had founded the company in 1837, originally as a small workshop in Paris specializing in high-quality leather goods, primarily harnesses for carriages. Over the next few generations, the brand would evolve into one of the world's most prestigious names in luxury fashion, but it was Robert who would lead Hermès into the modern era.
Growing up in an environment where artistry and craftsmanship were held in the highest regard, Robert Dumas developed a deep respect for quality and tradition. Although born into the Hermès family, he had to prove himself in the business world, demonstrating that he was not merely a scion of a rich family but a visionary leader capable of bringing his family’s legacy to a new global audience.
A Family Legacy: Six Generations of Artisans
The Hermès brand is built upon a legacy of six generations of artisans who have devoted themselves to creating the finest leather goods, apparel, and accessories. From Thierry Hermès, who founded the company in 1837, to Robert Dumas, each generation has upheld a commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and innovation. This long history of family involvement is part of what makes Hermès unique in the luxury industry. Unlike many of its competitors, Hermès has remained largely in the hands of the Dumas family, which has allowed the company to stay true to its roots.
When Robert Dumas took over as chairman in 1978, he became the steward of this heritage. During his tenure, he not only preserved the brand’s artisanal values but also brought these values into the modern business world. Under his leadership, Hermès expanded its global reach while maintaining a relentless focus on craftsmanship and the artistry that defined its products.
Robert Dumas and the Evolution of Hermès
Robert Dumas’s leadership of Hermès can be divided into two major phases: the first, which focused on preserving the company’s traditional values; and the second, which embraced innovation and global expansion. Throughout his tenure, he was committed to ensuring that the company’s offerings maintained the highest standards of quality, whether in the iconic Hermès Birkin bag, the Kelly bag, or their bespoke silk scarves.
Preserving the Brand’s Artistic Heritage
One of Dumas’s key contributions to Hermès was his unyielding commitment to its core values. Hermès is known for its mastery of leatherworking, a craft that has been passed down through the generations. Robert ensured that this tradition remained central to the brand, even as Hermès expanded into other areas such as ready-to-wear clothing, home furnishings, and jewelry.
During his time as chairman, Robert Dumas emphasized the importance of having skilled artisans on staff to maintain the brand’s exceptional craftsmanship. Under his leadership, Hermès was one of the few luxury brands that continued to manufacture its products in its home country of France, employing highly trained artisans in workshops across the country. This focus on craftsmanship became a hallmark of the Hermès brand, reinforcing its commitment to producing only the finest luxury items.
Global Expansion and Innovation
While Robert Dumas was deeply committed to preserving Hermès’ traditional values, he also understood that the global luxury market was evolving. In order to remain competitive in the 21st century, he recognized that Hermès needed to expand its global presence and broaden its product offerings without sacrificing its artisanal roots.

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robert dumas hermes - Six generations of artisans