Fanciful Delight
Introducing its theme for the year, Hermès entices one to play through a night of wonder and enjoyment
“Because play is movement, freedom, imagination, fantasy, seduction, and lightness” —Pierre-Alexis Dumas
Yes, play! Because playing means being together, because it’s a way of learning about ourselves and others, a way of letting chance have its say, of both controlling and letting go. Because it is joyous, jubilant even. Because play reshuffles the pack. Because play is movement, freedom, imagination, fantasy, seduction, and lightness,” says Pierre-Alexis Dumas, artistic director of Hermès. The Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild was turned into a whimsical play house where games in all its forms filled the space. All the excitement was to introduce the fashion house’s theme of the year, “Let’s Play!”
The tradition began in 1987, when, upon Hermès’ 150th anniversary, the late former CEO Jean-Louis Dumas thought of coming up with a yearly theme to tie all aspects of the brand together—from its products down to each store’s display.
In celebrating the year’s theme, guests were invited to come “overdressed”—whatever the term meant to them. Ladies arrived in dresses and pantsuits in an array of colours, textures, and prints, while the gentlemen strolled in wearing eye-catching suits in different forms. Upon arrival, one’s presence was announced via megaphone by a herald and greeted by two sphinxes—who managed to stay perfectly still throughout the night—upon entry. This would only prove to be the beginning of a fun-filled night, as more actors waited inside to bring their quirky games to life.
There was jousting for those who so dared, a wheel of fortune for those eager to test their luck, and even a remote-controlled race track for those looking for a thrill. One game that stood out among the guests was “Skittle Dog,” which is similar to bowling except for the use of two stuffed dog toys in lieu of a ball. It was a never-ending stream of joy and laughter for all those present. As Dumas puts it, “Could we create, could we invent, could we even imagine if we didn’t play? Certainly not at Hermès. Who knows, maybe that is the secret of our longevity. For a hundred and eighty years, this house has never stopped playing.”