The story of a Parisian
At a time when milliners and couturiers take centre stage, Germaine Guérin chooses a different path and specialises in a product she holds particularly dear, one that rarely features in magazines at the time: the handbag.
1894
Birth in Paris
On the 6th of July, at 6:30 a.m., in the heart of the 9th arrondissement, Germaine Emma Guérin is born. Daughter of Paul Adrien Thel Guérin, a goods broker, and Clémence Jeanne Bertholet, without profession.
1921
243, rue Saint-Honoré
On the 22nd of March, at the age of 26 and fiercely independent, Germaine Guérin opens her leather goods boutique in the heart of the Vendôme district. A true boudoir of refinement, it showcases handbags, clutches and accessories crafted from the finest materials.
1922
Cannes and Dinard
Following the success of her creations, two retail branches are opened in iconic holiday destinations favoured by the French elite. The first opens on the famous Croisette in Cannes, and the second opposite the Casino in Dinard, both strategically chosen locations.
1925
International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts
This exhibition, remembered as a symbol of French artistic revival, served as an exceptional showcase of the era's craftsmanship. Germaine Guérin took part with great success, presenting her creations at this landmark event, as documented in the pages of Vogue France in July 1925.
1927
Hemjic, Marc Real, Paul Reboux, Draeger...
From this point on, Maison Germaine Guérin began commissioning the finest illustrators, printers, and advertisers of the time to create its advertisements. These were prominently featured in many French publications, including one particularly favoured by the Maison since 1921: Vogue France.
1928
Pan, Luxury Directory in Paris
Paul Poiret, nicknamed the "King of Fashion", created a Luxury Directory listing the 115 greatest brands of the time, across all industries. Each of these 115 prestigious Houses was illustrated by a talented artist. It was Robert Falcucci, under his pseudonym Wurci, who captured the spirit of Germaine Guérin in an exceptional composition.
1931
“These bags, each different from the next, share a bold and understated elegance that is as good as a signature.”
Paul Reboux
1933
First Poses
In the 1930s, fashion photography began to grow in popularity, with some images even appearing in colour in the major magazines of the time. Germaine Guérin embraced this evolution: the House’s creations were regularly featured, now offering a valuable glimpse into that decade.
1945
The Germaine Guérin Volutes
In the aftermath of the Second World War, a wave of creativity swept through Paris. After long years of austerity, the time had come to celebrate and Germaine Guérin took part wholeheartedly by creating what would become one of the House’s signature elements: the Germaine Guérin monogram, named “Volutes” in reference to the spiral-shaped ironwork ornaments adorning the gate at 243, rue Saint-Honoré.
From the 1950s through to the late 1980s, the story of Germaine Guérin was no longer told through advertisements or publications, but through its clients, who became some of the finest ambassadors, symbols of an era and timeless elegance.
Throughout the history of Germaine Guérin, many celebrities, renowned artists, first ladies, and members of the aristocracy have been seen wearing Germaine Guérin, from Marella Agnelli to the Duchess of Windsor, including Audrey Hepburn and Vivien Leigh.
A preserved heritage
Since the closure of 243 rue Saint-Honoré, a constellation of women, men, and institutions, from Hélène David-Weill to the Palais Galliera, including Didier Ludot, discreet collectors, and the heirs of yesterday’s elegance, has been passionately preserving the creations of Germaine Guérin, whose brilliance, like that of many other brands, has gradually faded from memory.
The Revival
In 2025, 100 years after its participation in the International Exhibition of Decorative and Industrial Arts, and also 100 years after the passing of its founder, the House of Germaine Guérin returns to its workbench in a quest to protect its heritage, its values, and the memory of its founder who left us too soon.
"All these objects bear the mark of Germaine Guérin: a pursuit of beautiful materials, meticulous attention to detail and harmony, a collection embodying Parisian sobriety."
Le Figaro, 1929