Luxury brand Hermès has this week reopened its elegant London flagship following an 11-month refurbishment. Based at 155 New Bond Street, the home of many decadent labels, the revamped store has seen a redesign of the iconic Time & Life Building that it has inhabited since 1975.
Masterminded by Parisian firm RDAI, under artistic director Denis Montel, the new space sees an expansion from 4,251 sq.ft to 7,244 sq.ft, which is spread over two floors. A glass lift and terazzo stone floors, as well as a sweeping staircase and an overall bright, airy feel to the store sets it apart from the façade of other luxury brands. The counterpoint that has been played out between the sleek modern interior and the slightly retro palette of pinks, coppers and sandy tones somehow harks back to a different, more golden and inviting age of shopping that is perfectly inline with the Grade-II listed building’s heritage, which harks back to its inception in 1953. And there can be little doubt that what Hermès and Montel have created is not only a new flagship, but also a work of art. Visitors coming to the store will marvel at the collections—which include the Hermès range across the board of womenswear, menswear, silk collections, fine jewellery, watches and equestrian accessories—as well as at the space’s artistic value and integrity.
With the first floor being devoted entirely to the brand’s impressive showcase of items, it is down to the home department to really pack a punch. Containing many of the building’s original features, such as elegant light fixtures and dark wood panelled walls, this display of Hermès’ furniture and fabrics stuns through its double height opening. Luxury marble accents and huge French windows look out onto a Peter Shepheard designed terrace, which boasts Henry Moore’s Draped Reclining Figure at its centre.
As a celebration of its new store, Hermès has created limited edition designs that include only three red Bond Street Clutches in various leathers, a miniature saddle and a red Alice Shirley “Dans Un Jardin Anglais” print, which was created on a limited edition of 140 silk scarves.
