Shares in the company rose by more than 15% last week, with observers citing a decision to work more with leather and less with silk as one of the contributing factors.

Analysts have also noted that Hermès has succeeded in attracting and keeping local customers in the various markets where it has a major presence, such as the US and Japan. This keeps sales-figures high all year round, rather than falsely inflated during the busiest tourist season.

There have also been rumours in Paris of a possible take-over of Hermès by PPR.