No other fashion brand has intertwined with the art world as profoundly as Hermès. Since its inception in 1837, the French house has consistently captured the zeitgeist, while simultaneously defining societal notions of luxury through its exquisite offerings.

A prime example is the Hermès carré, created in 1937 by Robert Dumas. Fascinated by emerging textile printing techniques, he passionately explored designs, compositions, and colour combinations. His innovative spirit led to collaborations with renowned artists like Cassandre, Ledoux, Linarès, and Dufy. This vision was further expanded by Jean-Louis Dumas, who enriched the carré with contributions from artists such as Kermit Oliver, a prominent Native American painter, and the Polataka School in Sudan.

In 2005, Hermès Éditeur emerged, perpetuating the brand’s longstanding tradition of merging applied arts with contemporary visual expression. Pierre-Alexis Dumas, then artistic director, emphasised the importance of these artistic encounters, stating that projects often originate from aesthetic shocks and human interactions. 

“The challenges presented by artists to our craftsmen are initially insurmountable, but tackling them means pushing the boundaries of our savoir-faire,” says Pierre-Alexis. Today, propelled by Robert Dumas’ inventive vision and Pierre-Alexis’ refined consolidation, the Hermès carré has transcended its role as a mere accessory. It is now cherished as a prized artwork, worn by many, displayed on walls, or collected as a treasured piece. 

It is a symbol of sophisticated elegance and modern social identity, with collectors and admirers treating it as both a piece of art and a fashion statement. Its vibrant world and transformation into a symbol of refinement reflect its deep integration into contemporary culture.

The fundamental question we must address concerns the genesis of this transformation – how does a product evolve from its inception into a work of art with profound social influence? The answer is simple. It all begins with the product’s presentation in the display window. And Hermès is a master at this.

In 2024, the French house, under the direction of Pierre-Alexis Dumas, was inspired by the Spirit of Faubourg. The year highlights the significance of 24, Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré for Hermès. This edition of Le Monde d’Hermès celebrates the unique spirit of this historic address, a place rich with mystery and timeless charm. 

The Faubourg, described as a blend of museum, store, and dream-like space, embodies the essence of Hermès across time. It reflects a legacy of enchantment and creativity, seamlessly connecting past and present, and inspiring a future as open and inviting as its doors. It holds countless memories, resonating with everyone who has strolled through the space.

This global inspiration is manifested in the opening of Hermès’ new boutique in Bahrain on May 1 at Marassi Galleria. Its façade, inspired by rugged stone, features curves and textures reminiscent of weathered rock. Inside, a spacious area showcases women’s silk, with fashion jewellery and men’s silk on one side, and perfumes and beauty products on the other. A striking domed ceiling rises above a circular space, decorated with deep blue-green wallpaper, highlighting jewellery, watches, and home goods.

The store is divided into men’s and women’s sections, with leather goods centrally located. Semi-transparent, locally crafted macramé panels create a sense of intimacy while maintaining an open layout. Designed by Parisian firm RDAI, the store reflects the natural landscape, drawing inspiration from rock formations and incorporating sand and water motifs in the terrazzo flooring and carpets, which feature wave-like patterns in cerulean and ochre tones.

Hermès invites visitors to experience the blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and local heritage through the store’s unique design. Artworks enhance the space, including sketches and paintings of majestic Arabian horses from the Émile Hermès collection and Faissal El-Malak’s When the Guard Crosses the Street at Dusk, which brings dynamic equine-inspired designs to the windows. 

It is through this intricate and interwoven process, seemingly different across cultures but connected by a continuous “orange” thread, that Hermès remains a steadfast beacon of influence and immersion in diverse cultures. Its holistic, integrated approach bridges worlds, creating connections across old and new generations, as well as contemporary artistic movements. 

It is precisely through its showcases and the opportunity to present itself to the world in its various locations – from Paris to Bahrain, and soon to the United States, China, and Australia – that the general public best experiences the culture and savoir-faire of Hermès. 

This encompasses millions of items, from home goods like the famous blankets with the ‘H’ motif to the renowned Kelly and Birkin bags, and equestrian items. It is through these pieces that contemporary artists create artwork inspired by the Hermès universe. 

This artistic endeavour, particularly in 2024, aligns with the spirit of Faubourg, transforming the store into a wunderkammer and genius loci that inspires future artistic currents as well as tomorrow’s artists.

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