Hermes, a popular luxury goods group based in France, revealed earlier this week that its revenues for the first quarter rose impressively despite the hard times due to the rapid rise of demand for its fashion handbags in Asia, specifically South Korea and China.

The sales increased 3.2 percent in the first quarter compared to the same period last year. This is translated to overall sales revenue of $570 million in that period alone. Most of the consumers preferred Hermes’ luxury line of leather handbags.

This positive development has offset the decline in sales in Japan and Europe. In Europe, the revenues dropped 5.6 percent while in Japan, revenues slid nearly 20 percent due to the currency fluctuation between the yen and euro.

Hermes is known for its Kelly and Birkin fashion handbags which piqued global interest due to positive reviews from celebrities who acquired the product.

The French goods group is optimistic that its sales will maintain the same level that it achieved last year due to positive response to a large market like Asia. The sales revenues last year reached a record 1.76 billion euros.