Hermès’ second store in the city brings the label’s silks, home decor, jewellery, watches and apparel
nder the watchful gaze of a tiger, woven into a signature Hermès silk scarf, Eric Festy, regional director for Hermès in South Asia is discussing the changing Indian luxury consumer. He has just opened the French luxury brand’s new store, at Mumbai’s
UJio World Plaza, now joining an array of luxury names that have taken up residence in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). The open-plan store features silks, home decor and jewellery, the latter set apart by the use of bamboo marquetry and deep blue walls. Further towards the rear are the men and women’s clothing and accessories and a private salon. Spread over 4,800
Regional director, Hermes, South Asia mustard walls, dotted with abstract motifs. On the façade are metal cubes that ow from the brand’s signature orange to deep Jodhpur blue, which takes inspiration from the festival of Holi. The inaugural windows are by production designer and
lmmaker Aradhana Seth, who has created the installation, Faubourg in an Enchanted Forest, which like the name suggests, brings together the maison’s historic address (on 24 Rue de Faubourg Saint- Honore in Paris) with Gond-inspired artworks.
Eric, who has been with Hermès for over 30 years, discusses the Indian market, saying, “We see that the base of customers is becoming wider. More customers are discovering Hermès and other luxury brands. The second big change that we see is that 10 years ago it was mainly about leather bags. Today, our Indian customers know better about our shoes, ready-to-wear collection, porcelain, and home products.”
He also notes that Indians have an inherent understanding of craftsmanship and as a result, “They are more demanding than other clients worldwide, because they know better what quality is about.” That though is not a deterrent for the brand. Eric says, “We like this very much because for us it’s a challenge.”
The brand’s presence in India has grown slowly, since it opened its rst store in New Delhi in 2008, this is only the third store in the country and the second in Mumbai. However, Eric acknowledges the potential and says, “At Hermès, a new store opening is a rare moment and even globally, we plan this step-by-step, very gradually.” He adds that last year, a 10-day pop-up store in Hyderabad’s Taj Krishna, “was a good way to test the local markets and the city”.
Eric goes on to say that after pop-ups, they plan to look at having an online store. He elaborates, “We have it in dierent markets, not everywhere, not in India yet, but it will come. I am deeply convinced this is the future for a country like India.”
We have it (online store) in di erent markets, not everywhere, not in India yet, but it will come. I am deeply convinced this is the future for a country like India
ERIC FESTY