Leather Heads

Hermès’ current C.E.O., the 53-year-old Axel Dumas, a sixth-generation heir.
Hermès’ current C.E.O., the 53-year-old Axel Dumas, a sixth-generation heir. Photo: Elisabetta A. Villa/Getty Images
Lauren Sherman
January 29, 2024

A few weeks ago, I had lunch at the Polo Lounge with an industry executive who also happens to be an industry client. He spends a lot of money on small luxury goods like handbags and clothing—a guaranteed six figures a year, maybe some years seven. He’s a cheerleader for the business because he is also in the business. He did, however, express some disillusionment. He doesn’t like a lot of what’s being produced by the big, conglomerate-backed brands. It all looks the same, etcetera, why should he bother