Hermès Hosts Cardboard Party In Honor Of New Boutique

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Late last week, the fine folks of the South Bay were treated to a fantastical event hosted by one of France’s oldest luxury houses. In honor of its new Palo Alto boutique at the Stanford Shopping Center, Hermès threw a glamorous party in an unusual setting—landscapes made entirely out of cardboard.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Designed by the Parisian architecture firm, RDAI, the storefront is the handbag house’s 34th store in the United States. The agency’s Denis Montel created the freestanding 380 square-meter space with a one-story open plan with large windows, a central skylight, and modern details. According to the brand, the new store represents “a marriage of state-of-the-art technology and traditional craft” that celebrates the handmade, while moving swiftly into the future.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

In a statement, Robert B. Chavez, the president and CEO of Hermès USA said, “We look forward to offering a warm welcome and exceptional service to a new community of clients from the surrounding area, including entrepreneurs and innovators engaged in the fast-evolving technology industry headquartered in this dynamic region of the country.” The new shop is an elegant and refined setting for the brand’s luxe merchandise (handbags, home goods, jewelry, etc.) and its collection of art including digital installations by artists like Eric Vernhes.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

After Hermès representatives performed the ribbon cutting ceremony, esteemed guests were invented inside to check out the shop. Then the group moved into an event space made entirely out of cardboard, an installation from artist Eva Jospin. There was a modern dance performance and plenty of food and drink. Notables in attendance at the opening? Apple’s Jony and Heather Ive, Cisco’s Chuck Robbins, and the 49ers’ Jeff Williams.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Photo Credit: Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography

Photo Credit: Claudine Gossett for Drew Altizer Photography

Photo Credit: Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Photo Credit: Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer