Hermès In The Making invites the public to meet its artisans and discover the craftsmanship at the heart of the house’s creative and innovative spirit.
When it comes to craftsmanship in fashion, a brand synonymous with this is none other than Hermès, the winged herald for the Greek gods, as well as a Maison that treats every object like a work of art. With the values of durability, quality, innovation, transmission and functional aesthetics guiding the Maison’s growth since 1837, Hermès’ foray into the future could not resonate more with the challenges we face today — and will continue to do so if our love of objects’ meanings, both imbibed and inscribed, are to stand the test of time.
Laid out in a welcoming, open-plan manner inspired by a craftsman’s workbench, Hermès invites onlookers to meet the artisans that live and breathe the house’s creative and innovative spirit, telling the story of its past in a playful, multi-sensory fashion. Travelling to meet the public, artisans from the 16 different métiers of the house bring with them their tools, materials and expertise, sharing their dedication to responsible object creation through four themes: preservation and transmission of know-how, respect for and quality of materials, commitment to the long-term, and regional anchoring.
Amongst the artisanal techniques presented at the exhibition, expect to see the development of a long-lasting patina, crafted from the finest materials that become more beautiful over time; precise engraving; the careful printing of colours on silk scarves; saddle-stitching of a Kelly bag; crafting of a pair of gloves.
The showcase also reveals the ingenuity and experience required to repair a bag, highlighting the patience needed to bring the new Hermès H08 watch to life as well as adorn a Chaîne d’ancre bracelet with diamonds.
Every craft is not without a sense of rigour — even painting the Fauves de Nuit design on the rounded edge of a white porcelain plate and assembling the Hermès Vivace showjumping saddle requires meticulousness.
The exhibition also incorporates a variety of interactive games that engage all five senses. Workshops focused on dexterity, musical composition using round knives and colouring allows a watered-down experience of the artisanal craftsmanship, while films from the “Footsteps across the World” collection, produced by documentary filmmaker Frédéric Laffont, will also be screened to visually delight plus express Hermès’ unique connection with sustainable development.
For those with a bit more time to spare, there are two conferences held over the exhibition duration to give a greater insight into the topics of craftsmanship and the preservation of know-how, as well as innovation and transmission.
This travelling event, which lands in Kyoto next, will be sure to make you smile — there is nothing better about beautiful objects than the more beautiful stories of their makers, and how it was made.
Hermès In The Making will be happening from 1 Oct-9 Oct at Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza, from 12-8 pm daily. Admission is free. Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our September 2022 issue.
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