Journey Through the Walls

Beyond the captivating world of high fashion and equestrian excellence, the French luxury house of Hermes is putting its mark on yet another facet of luxury design. Home & Decor puts the Birkins and silk scarves aside to delve into the world of the Hermes Home Universe.

Missed Through the Walls? Take a video tour of the exhibition! See page 22.

Inspired by anarchitecture (anarchy and architecture), Through the Walls features elements of deconstruction, as can be seen in these windows

More than just designers, the creative brains at Hermes are better recognised as seasoned storytellers. From Hermes’ whimsical storefronts to the artisanal production of its handstitched leather gloves and bags, each carefully constructed object carries a tale of the artists behind the fantastical designs, techniques used by Hermes craftsmen, or simply an imaginative concept that has captivated the brand’s tastemakers.

Gianpaolo Pagni, the stripes on these lacquer boxes seem to have a life of their own

The French brand started out in 1837 as a saddle-maker, but soon evolved from equipping equestrians with utilitarian riding gear to accessorising their homes, too.  The Hermes Home Universe began with blankets and lamps, and then – thanks to a serendipitous meeting in 1924 with interior decorator Jean-Michel Frank – leather-cladded seats, furniture, and even walls. These commissioned pieces were worked on by Hermes master leatherworkers and saddlers.

The Log Basket (below) and Centrepiece (bottom) are part of the Lien D’Hermes collection, and feature natural maple and Hermes’ brick bridle leather

Currently helmed by artistic directors Charlotte Macaux Perelman and Alexis Fabry, the union of form and function continues to this day with the Home Universe mantra of “rigour and fantasy”. This was personified in Through the Walls, an immersive and playful exhibition that showcased the diversity, versatility, and functionality of Hermes objects. Here for the Singapore-exclusive exhibition, Charlotte gave us an insight into Hermes Home Universe. 

Charlotte Macaux Perelman

ARCHITECT, DESIGNER & DEPUTY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF HERMES HOME UNIVERSE

Through the Walls exemplifies Hermes’ philosophy: Rigour in furniture, and fantasy and softness through wallpaper and textiles

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE “RIGOUR AND FANTASY”?

Hermes’ products are made to last and be passed down through generations. We like finesse in craftsmanship and avoid industrial and synthetic materials. We combine heritage with farsightedness; this is also why we love to work with architects – they understand time. On the other hand, we also convey the know-how and personalities of artists we work with through artistic elements. For instance, I like that the wallpapers in Through the Walls were hand-stamped and, if you look closely, you will see the hand gestures of the artist.

The exhibition showcased Hermes’ minimalist designs against a backdrop of playful and felt-tip-inspired motifs from its children’s wallpaper collection

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS RIGOUR AT WORK?

Yes, everyone knows a Hermes piece is honest and well done. [That phrase is used a lot these days], but working from inside, I see the energy we put in each piece to get the right materials, weight, and even artisan. We spare no effort to materialise a design, and pay the same attention to a small box as we would a sofa. When Hermes had the design for Karumi, we could not perfectly handle the bamboo, so we found an amazing Japanese master in Tokyo who could. He had invented the layering technique that could accurately convey the idea of Karumi. We push boundaries. 

The Picotin table features natural maple, fawn bullcalf leather, and natural woven wicker.

The Diligence serving trolley is part of the Equipages d’Hermes collection, and was modelled after diligence carriages (stagecoaches) that were pulled by horses

Designer Gianpaolo Pagni creates abstract prints using repetitive stamp effects.

These bowls, in Sandstone and Paprika, were designed by Dutch wood artist Maria van Kesteren. The lid’s groove is hidden for a seamless effect

WHAT SIMILARITIES ARE THERE BETWEEN HERMES THE FASHION BRAND, AND HERMES THE FURNITURE DESIGNER?

We like to give clients little luxuries. In fashion, we’ll include an amazing texture in the pocket, even if it is hidden. We create these intimate gestures with our furniture, too, such as cladding the inside of drawers in leather or, like in our maple bowls, including a hidden groove.

For its Fall/Winter 2017 collection, Hermes launched a series of colourful skateboards and longboards retailing at US$2,900

The staircases of Hermes at Liat Towers were clad in layers of wallpaper – torn to create an anarchitectural effect.

The Tie Set’s plates feature interlacing H motifs. It was designed by Hermes tie designer Philippe Mouquet.

Part of the Pippa collection, whose items revolve around travellers, this daybed features 15 removable cushions and two reclining sides.

Did you know?

Hermes has a team that specialises in buying drawings and illustrations. Both interior and fashion departments are free to browse or use them.

This striking plaid carpet by Korean artist Seulgi Lee will enliven any space.

HERMES’ THEME THIS YEAR IS “SENSE OF THE OBJECT”. WHAT DO YOU HAVE AT HOME THAT EXEMPLIFIES THIS?
Having “sense” is to have meaning and value; Hermes creates objects with technique and heritage in mind. I have plenty of such objects at home, such as those by a great artist called Alev Siesbye. All her life, she designs only bowls – same shape, same hues. She repeats the same gestures again and again, and gets so good at what she does. She creates honest and unique objects.

WHAT KIND OF HOME WILL A HERMES PIECE LOOK GOOD IN?
Hopefully, any home – though Hermes will be strongest in a home with Scandinavian, Japanese and French furniture. People should add their own personality into their homes, instead of focusing on one brand. It’s like Jean-Louis Dumas said: “Don’t wear only Hermes on you.”

CHARLOTTE’S PICKS

Aes Bronze Table
This sleek, monolithic piece, designed by British studio Barber & Osgerby, was cast in bronze and with a single-use mould. “The design is simple, but strong; we used the antique technique of casting to convey this.”

Groom Attele Hanger
This Hermes design pays homage to the house’s fi rst metier: A harness and saddle-maker. “In a collection that uses leather only as links or harnesses, this all-leather Hanger is seen as extravagant,” says Charlotte.

Karumi Bamboo Stool
Designed by architect Alvaro Siza, Karumi features bamboo that has been harvested from Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo forest. “The Japanese master who worked with Hermes linked carbon fi bre with layers of bamboo. This maintains the strength and bendability of the bamboo, sans visible nails or stitching,” says Charlotte.

text ELIZA HAMIZAH photos HERMES, EDWARD HENDRICKS