Inside the innovative objects of Hermès
Hermès brought its 2020 theme “Innovation in the Making” to life with a collection of objects full of the brand’s trademark whimsy and high-tech twists. For over a century, the French fashion house has been known for creating objects that withstand the test of time while remaining on-trend.
This season, take a peek into a house full of magic, coupled with meticulous craftsmanship, dreamy shapes, textures and proportions. For Hermès, innovation is the outcome of continuous creativity. Its latest objects collection tells the story of emergent innovation, from bold, classic bags now with a multi-tasking twist, to imaginative yet technical silks, to exquisite fashion accessories that always seem to add a touch of elegance and a dash of wow.
THE BIRKIN GETS A MULTI-TASKING TWIST
Hermès’ artistic director for women’s wear Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski revisited the Birkin 35 cargo bag, giving it a utilitarian yet delicate feel in Goétland canvas and Swift calfskin finish. The Birkin 35 cargo bag has five additional pockets and a removable cup holder, is lightweight and functional as it’s made of canvas embellished with leather. The inspiration? Military uniforms.
Comprehensive research was also conducted into working with silk. A major technical innovation now permits the silk pattern to be printed on both sides of the scarf, showing a different version and color of the same design — and giving the Hermès client two scarves in one!
The double-faced scarf contrasts two interpretations of the design Della Cavalleria Favolosa by Virginie Jamin, one in color and the other monochrome. Inspired by a 17th-century equestrian treatise in the Musée Émile Hermès, this design shows imaginary creatures, extravagant horses, and fanciful monsters.
Created by the French illustrator Ugo Bienvenu, this humorous comic turns the spotlight on the fiery and fearless Hermès woman. On a double-faced scarf, he reveals two different versions: French and colorful on one side, English and monochrome on the other.
This new phase in the story of Hermès silk also applies to its men’s wardrobe, with two versions of the design C’est La Fête by Daiske Nomura with a matte and supple finish.
IMAGINATIVE TRANSFORMATIONS
Accessorizing has always been fun and playful, but Hermès has a way of combining the two with chic elegance. The new cuff bracelets display luminous, deep colors, thanks to an innovative technical process. As light as they are resistant, they are decorated with perforated H or pyramid studs. For the first time, the H clasp is covered with printed enamel, matching their graphic motifs or showcasing an equestrian inspiration. Its latest Cape Cod watch, Chaîne d’Ancre double-tour strap in Swift calfskin, explores new stylistic transformations with the ease of a timeless icon. Created in 1991 by Henri d’Origny, the double wraparound strap in colored leather takes hold of the Chaîne dance link and relishes its interpretation. Hermès’ famed belts have new variations in this collection, with a fast-fastening mechanism and a stylized “H” clasp. The wide belt in braided silk printed with the design Astrologie Nouvelle by Françoise Faconnet and Cyrille Diatkine is light and colorful and can be worn high-waisted, as it fastens with a buckle cased in leather.
Sun accessories like the Hermès two-toned Panama hat boasts a tartan flourish, while its wide brim and grosgrain ribbon printed with the motif Op’H hat comes in three different colors. The tapes de plage has the six letters of the word Hermès compose a graphic stamp design by Gianpaolo Pagni. Reminiscent of puzzle pieces, they decorate a beach towel in terrycloth. At Hermès, innovation, knowhow and an almost 200-year legacy imbue every detail of the materials used. Discovering new skills, experimenting and constantly creating produce the house’s iconic objects. Whether understated or bold, every detail is the end result of careful conceptualization. For Hermès, innovation is never-ending and remains at the core of the house’s spirit. * * *
Hermès is located at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center Malls, Makati City.