PHOTO: HermÉs Archives, Reserved Rights

Renowned for its scarves and leather goods, Hermés International S.A. originally won global acclaim for its equestrian equipment at the 1855 and 1867 world's fairs. Hermés continued to exhibit its riding gear at shows such as the France-Cairo Exposition of 1929 shown here. While the Parisian fashion house eventually branched out with its iconic Birkin bags, apparel, and more, it still stays close to its equine roots, sponsoring the annual Saut Hermés show-jumping competition. There attendees can watch live demos of Hermés craftsmen hand sewing saddles just as they have for nearly two centuries.