Stitching together Hermes' history

While the advancement of technology continues to transform the world, one thing it isn't changing is the way Hermes makes their products.

The horse was the French company's first customer 175 years ago.

Now the firm sells 14 different métiers which include crystal, watches and even custom orders.

Hermes U.S. CEO Robert Chavez.

SOUNDBITE: Robert Chavez, Hermes U.S. CEO, saying (English):

"We're still making products the way we made them 175 years ago and we're still totally committed to that hand-crafted quality. And yes, I know sometimes product availability isn't always there, but part of that is because we are still committed to that hand-craftsmanship and we try to continue to bring in and train new people each and every year, which we do, however, we're not going to change our commitment to that process."

As a part of its 175 anniversary celebration, the company is putting its craftsmen and women on show at an event dubbed, Festival des Métiers.

Longtime Hermes employee Pierre Grosterrin explained the process of constructing the iconic "Kelly" bag.

SOUNDBITE: Pierre Grosterrin, craftsman, saying (English):

"It takes about, between 18 and 20 hours to make the entire bag. All the parts are of course made in France and it's one craftsman makes the bag from beginning to the end."

The price to own a handcrafted item from Hermes isn't cheap, but Chavez says it's worth the investment.

SOUNDBITE: Robert Chavez, Hermes U.S. CEO, saying (English):

"If you're going to buy one scarf, buy one beautiful well made scarf that's going to last you a lifetime, because it will last you a lifetime and it will take on a vintage feel."

The Festival des Métiers will travel to San Francisco, California and Houston, Texas before heading to Asia.