the asian fashion journal

25th May 2012

This exhibition is an absolute gem and as you’d expect from Hermes it’s wonderfully indulgent and witty.

The first room you enter is a candy shop of skins in a rainbow of sumptuous colours- visitors are invited to touch the luxurious skins and are surrounded by the rich smell of leather. Having the skins in the first room re-emphasised the company’s ethos that at the core of the brand is leather of the highest quality. Hermes respects the luxury fabric by insisting that traditional techniques are used by skilled craftsmen to hand- make all their products in their Parisian workshop. (One of the last houses to do still do so)

We got a glimpse into this process as two craftswomen were sat making a bag, it was a definite highlight- seeing an infamous bag come to life.

Other highlights included the giant neon Kelly bag installation by Alexandra Plat which housed several styles by the brand and the equestrian room which was filled with sand and had saddles and boots suspended around the room.

The last room showcased the brands way of celebrating the Queens Diamond Jubilee. Hermes created four one of kind bags representing England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland which were auctioned on-line be Hermes 14th May. All proceeds went to the Royal academy of Arts. The bags were presented at the exhibition in the centre of a small mock up theatre, such a fab way of presenting the styles.

The heritage, the history, the craftsmanship and ultimately the leather are all lovingly presented in this wonderful exhibition. If you do get a chance over the weekend do pop down! Closes 27th May, 6 Burlington Gardens, London, W1

I wasn’t allowed to take photos so these are from Wallpaper