Pascale Mussard is a prominent figure within the Hermès dynasty. A descendant of Thierry Hermès, founder of the renowned French company, she was born in 1957, spending much of her youth immersed in the ateliers of the brand. Her early professional journey took her through various roles within the company, from the export department of a commercial printer to the head fabric buyer for women’s ready-to-wear at Hermès. She later became a publicist, the head of advertising and public relations, and subsequently set up and directed the shop-windows department. In 2002, her uncle Jean-Louis Dumas, former CEO and artistic director of Hermès, appointed her as his assistant and the delegate artistic director, alongside Pierre-Alexis Dumas. Until the end of her role as the co-artistic director in 2011, Mussard was in charge of the accessories and leather goods sectors of the firm, including the iconic Kelly and Birkin bags. Her contributions have been recognised, with her being named one of the “Ten Women to Watch in Europe” by The Wall Street Journal in 2008, and she honoured this reputation in 2010, after the passing of her uncle, when she worked with her cousin Pierre-Alexis Dumas to ensure the brand’s continued success. She is currently the director of the “Petit h” division of Hermès, a “labo-atelier” that focuses on increasing recycling and creating new works from discarded materials, such as animal skins, leatherwear, and various elements from the company’s production. Pascale Mussard’s innovative approach and commitment to sustainability have cemented her status as a key figure within the Hermès legacy.
