Hermès Takes Minority Stake In Pierre Hardy

Hermès International S.A. just made another major investment.

French luxury house Hermès Group just acquired a minority stake in footwear and accessory company Pierre Hardy, as it seeks to strengthen ties with its eponymous founder, who designs footwear and jewelry collections for the company.

“I’m delighted with our partnership with Pierre Hardy, which shows how proud we are to support creative talent and incredible expertise as part of this unique tribe that strives for excellence,” Axel Dumas, Hermès international chief executive, said in a statement.

Hardy has designed footwear and jewelry collections for Hermès since 2001, and the company said its acquisition highlights its ambition to contribute to Pierre Hardy’s growth plans and solidify its close working relationship with the designer.

This wouldn’t be the first footwear company that Hermès owns. The company also owns traditional British shoemaker John Lobb.

“I’m very pleased, and very proud, of our alliance with Hermès, a house which champions the exceptional. It’s the natural extension of 25 years of creative collaboration,” Pierre Hardy added.

Pierre Hardy has three direct retail stores: in Paris, New York and the Aoyama district of Tokyo. The brand is sold in 200 doors globally.

Photos Credit: Courtesy

Additional Reporting: BoF