The French fashion powerhouse known for iconic pieces like the Birkin and Kelly bag is entering new territory. Hermes debuts its first-ever headphones for $15K, and yes, they’re crafted with the same elite hand-stitched leatherwork that made the brand a symbol of quiet luxury.
What Makes Hermes’ $15K Headphones So Exclusive?
According to WWD, these Hermes headphones are developed under the Ateliers Horizons division. The design pulls inspiration from the house’s legacy of craftsmanship, specifically the metal and leatherwork of the Kelly bag. Crafted using premium calfskin leather, each pair is hand-stitched, reflecting Hermes’ obsession with detail and heritage.
Axel de Beaufort, creative director of Ateliers Horizons, emphasized that the focus wasn’t on mass production, but rather precision and artisan authenticity.
“People don’t really need to know that what’s happening behind it is as authentic as stitching a Birkin in the workshop. There are people, there are hands, there is time. There are no shortcuts.”
Tech Meets Quiet Luxury: The Vision Behind Hermes’ Audio Debut
The brand’s jump into the audio space is notable not just because it’s Hermes, but because it represents a subtle fusion of fashion and function. De Beaufort described the minimalist aesthetic as “quiet luxury”—where quality speaks louder than branding.
He explained to WWD:
“The idea is not to be able to replicate that 10,000 times as a big headset supplier would do. The idea is to have the few that we will do made perfectly, and that has been a very long learning process.”
And let’s be clear—this isn’t a collaboration or licensing play like Hermes’ past 2014 Apple Watch partnership. This is a statement: Hermes is controlling every stitch, metal accent, and piece of sonic tech. It’s tailor-made for those who collect couture just as they collect rare vinyl.
When Will The $15K Hermes Headphones Be Available?
The headphones are expected to land in select Hermes boutiques this summer, just in time for global fashion weeks and resort season. While pricing starts at $15,000, bespoke orders and material upgrades may push prices even higher for clients seeking that extra flair.
It’s unclear yet whether the brand will offer customization options like monograms, metal color variations, or tech spec tweaks, but knowing Hermes—personalization will be key.
