The objects all utilise key materials that are part of the Hermès DNA. Materials such as leather, silk, light maplewood, lacquer and wicker that are all prevalent in the maison’s other departments, enforce the brand identity throughout, showing that while the materials can be used in one way for fashion accessories, they too can be harnessed in another manner for a home object.
Take leather, for example. Once used by the maison to dress horses, it is used to dress home objects. Unlike how Hermès leather accessories complement an outfit, leather is used to structure the home objects instead of being mere decoration. As a lid, it completes a box. As a strap, it shapes a vase or holds a case shut. As a bridle, it is utilised as an indoor harness designed to hold, hang or hook. As sheathing, it serves as juxtaposition and adds a layer of warmth and softness to a serving trolley made of wickerwork and wood.
Sculptural pieces of furniture will also be on display at the exhibition. There is the Pritzker Prize winner Alvaro Siza‑designed Karumi stool, which is made from bamboo from the famed Arashiyama forest in Kyoto and linked with carbon fibre to retain its structure, resulting in a piece that is light yet durable. Then, there is the Barber & Osgerby-designed Aes coffee table cast in bronze with the look of an industrial girder, but with the finesse of a high-end piece.
A key item bound to pique the interest of viewers? The bespoke curiosity cabinets. These exceptional made-to-order cabinets are inspired by the charming disorder of curiosity cabinets of days gone by and are custom-made to fit anything you want, from shoes to a well-stocked bar.
Within this vast home universe, it is about the little things as well. Think small maplewood boxes with sheets of leather that work as cardholders, letter racks and any knick-knacks one might have in the office or at home. Vibrant hand-painted lacquer boxes by Italian illustrator Gianpaolo Pagni work as great organisational tools that help hide items and act as decorative pieces any coffee table would be proud to host.
Other furnishings include colourful dinnerware featuring micro-motifs of Hermès tie designer Philippe Mouquet, cashmere throws in the house colours, and wallpaper patterns with graphic maze-like designs for adults, and colourful horses for the little ones.
