"Hermès International S.A., or simply Hermès, is a French luxury design house established in 1837. It specializes in leather goods, lifestyle accessories, home furnishings, perfumery, jewelry, watches and ready-to-wear. Its logo, since the 1950s, is of a Duke carriage with horse. (Wikipedia)

"The designers throughout the company's history have included Lola Prusac, Jacques Delahaye, Catherine de Karolyi, Monsieur Levaillant, Nicole de Vesian, Eric Bergère, Claude Brouet, Tan Giudicelli, Marc Audibet, Mariot Chane, Bernard Sanz, Martin Margiela, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Christophe Lemaire, Véronique Nichanian (the men's-wear designer since 1988), and Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski (since 2014 succeeding Lemaire).

"Known for luxury goods, by 2008, Hermès had 14 product divisions that encompassed leather, scarves, ties, men's and women's wear, perfume, watches, stationery, footwear, gloves, enamelware, decorative arts, tableware, and jewellery. Hermès sales compose about 30% leather goods, 15% clothes, 12% scarves, and 43% other wares. The company licenses no products and keeps tight control over the design and manufacture of its vast invent."

"The French luxury house’s new home at 706 Madison Avenue consists of 20,250-square-feet spread across four floors, the final of which opens to a rooftop garden. The store is actually comprised of a series of salons, much like the rooms of a house—the house of Hermès, if you will," The Harpers Bazaar reports.

"Denis Montel, artistic and general director of the architecture agency RDAI, which was behind the project, said in a press release, “This project was almost like designing five stores into one, while always keeping a bespoke approach. There are many stories, but they are linked together. You go from one surprise to another.”

"There’s speckled terrazzo floors illuminated by traditional Grecques lights shaped like art deco skyscrapers, a cocktail bar under a massive skylight surrounded by rare Hermès bags on display, and a smooth, curved stone staircase running up the store along a 49-foot-high wall that acts like a vertical gallery with paintings by Antoine Carbonne and equine themed photographs. There’s even a VIP lounge and a fifth-floor atelier for five artisans-in-residence from different métiers."

"The Upper East Side destination at 706 Madison Avenue is a fusion of three existing buildings that have been adjoined by Parisian architecture firm RDAI, led by award-winning architect Denis Montel. The structure, which will offer both men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, furniture and homewares, was designed as a union of “New York dynamism and Parisian elegance,” according to the brand.

"The ground level, on one side, houses salons for jewelry, silk scarves, perfume and beauty items. The other side is dedicated to men’s leather-goods, silk accessories, equestrian accoutrements and also houses a coffee bar. The bank’s original staircase leads to the second-floor home furnishings and men’s department, which also includes a private lounge for commissioning custom orders such as made-to-measure suits and shirts," the Robb Report says.

"One floor above, the women’s department draws you in with curved walls, a champagne bar and an opulent watch and jewelry space that’s organized into alcoves for privacy. The fourth floor showcases the brand’s most coveted designs—women’s handbags—as well as a full bar, flanked by a rooftop terrace, offering a serene oasis from the city’s hubbub just several flights below. A fifth floor space, which isn’t open to the public, houses an atelier where five craftspeople from the brand’s various métiers will be on-hand to alter, repair and care for one’s purchases."

"The best of the best !! Very chic and their Bags and ties are top of the lines."

"I've been shopping here regularly over the years and this is by far my favorite store in New York City. The products speak for themselves. No matter what you are looking for whether it is a silk scarf, leather goods, ready to wear, fragrance, home goods, jewelry, or even shoes, you will find it here. Visiting this store is an experience beyond just going shopping. A lot of unique, impeccably made, beautiful, creative products with great stories behind them. Yes, the bags are fantastic, but there are plenty of other great products here as well. Don't sleep on them!This is my favorite Hermes store and favorite brand in general. Love it here."

"This is a grand, beautiful store with helpful sales associates, which made my purchase a very delightful experience. I am certain that I will come back to get more gifts for my loved ones."

"I was very comfortable and felt welcome and had the loveliest time. Everyone was down to earth and helpful. I can't wait to enjoy another exceptional shopping experience at Madison Avenue."

"I had a great first-time shopping experience here and will be back. Firstly, I will say shopping in the store is a much better experience than online because the objects really do come to life and are more luxe and beautiful when seen upclose. I recommend everyone visit this Flagship."

Most expensive handbag sold at auction: Hermes Birkin