Image Courtesy of Hermès Paris
Hermès debut at Milan’s furniture fair 2011 was one of the most anticipated openings from the iconic luxury brand. One of the key elements for this successful first appearance in Milan was the combination of a powerful architectural duo, that of Shigeru Ban and Jean de Gastines, who designed the exhibition space and the selection of designers Enzo Mari, Antonio Citterio and RDAI Studio.
Hermès space at La Pelota, in Via Palermo, Milan 2011
photo © Santi Caleca
Hermès space at La Pelota, in Via Palermo, Milan 2011
photo © Santi Caleca
Hermès’ creative director Pierre-Alexis Dumas has called architects Shigeru Ban and Jean de Gastines, who also designed Centre Pompidou in Metz to design the Hermès Pavillion. The beautiful exhibition space made out of cardboard tubes woven with paper aimed at creating a set of a nomadic modular structure. The Pavillion’s configuration incorporated ceilings with different heights and rooms of different sizes making in such a way some of the spaces to feel more private and some others as if to be shared. The whole setting was also designed to make the viewers see themselves with the Hermès lifestyle.
Hermès space at La Pelota, in Via Palermo, Milan 2011
photo © Santi Caleca
Strong, imposing, lavishing and comfortable are the words to describe the new Métiers collection, which combines high quality materials and some stunning details. Enzo Mari designed a desk, a chair and a small storage coffer. The desk covered in smooth bull calf gives flair of luxury and sustainability. The chair made from Canaletto walnut, the noblest wood according to Mari, polished to a silken finish, is a beautiful object, which represents Hermès’ elegance and high quality craftsmanship. The storage coffer, with geometric marquetry also stands out as a unique piece, which has a storage drawer, covered in leather. The combination of wood and leather further enhance a sense of class and the smooth finishes of the furniture emphasize their clean lines. The stunning marble tables by Mari one oval and one round, with legs covered in smooth bull calf leather epitomize the sophisticated character of the brand.
Desk in Canaletto walnut and gold smooth bull calf, Métiers collection // Storage coffer in Canaletto walnut and gold smooth bull calf, Métiers collection // Chair in Canaletto walnut and gold smooth bull calf, Métiers collection // Herringbone wallpaper in pumice // Dish and magnifying glasses in silver-plated metal
Image Courtesy of Hermès Paris
Hermès space at La Pelota, in Via Palermo, Milan 2011
photo © Santi Caleca
Part of the Hermès furniture collection, is the Matières Collection by Antonio Citterio who was fascinated by the tradition of French decorators embodied by Jean-Michel Frank. Drawing inspiration from the nomadic origins of Egyptian or Greek folding stools, and the Pippa collection of folding furniture designed by RDAI studio - Rena Dumas and Peter Coles - in 1987, Citterio creates some remarkable pieces that merge the traditional and the contemporary in unexpected ways. Here again wood meets leather and steel and fabric.
Designer: Antonio Citterio
Armchair for reading and resting in stainless steel with surface patina and turtledove Clémence bull calf, Matières collection
Image Courtesy of Hermès Paris
Designer: Antonio Citterio
Méridienne for unwinding (chaise longue) in greyed oak and gold Clémence bull calf, Matières collection
Image Courtesy of Hermès Paris
Image Courtesy of Hermès Paris
Bibliothèque furnishing fabric designed by Hugo Gryckar, 100% cotton
Image Courtesy of Hermès Paris
Designer: Enzo Mari
Chair in Canaletto walnut and ebony smooth bull calf, Métiers collection
Image Courtesy of Hermès Paris
Denis Montel, artistic director of RDAI and the designer Éric Benqué designed this collection signature piece, the Sellier Chair. The chair follows a simple and elegant design and is available in different versions. Hermès also presented a collection of furnishing fabrics and wallpapers. One of which is today presented here.
Console designed by Antonio Citterio (Matières collection) and leather Sellier Chair with armrests designed by Denis Montel (RDAI) & Éric Benqué
Hermès space at La Pelota, in Via Palermo, Milan 2011
photo © Santi Caleca
PÊLE -MÊLE wallpaper designed by Philippe Dumas
Image Courtesy of Hermès Paris
The complete collection, represents 100% Hermès, a luxury brand that always pays careful attention to quality and class. Each one of the pieces presented in Milan oozes Hermès’ status and aptitude for design excellence. The meticulous research on materials and techniques is evident on every single detail.
Design: Enzo Mari
Oval table in aurora Breccia marble and gold smooth bull calf, Métiers collection
Image Courtesy of Hermès Paris
Hermès space at La Pelota, in Via Palermo, Milan 2011
photo © Santi Caleca
Hermès space at La Pelota, in Via Palermo, Milan 2011
photo © Santi Caleca
Cupboard of secrets and comfortable club chair by Jean-Michel Frank
Hermès space at La Pelota, in Via Palermo, Milan 2011
photo © Santi Caleca
Designer: Antonio Citterio
Console in greyed oak, stainless steel with surface patina and H red Clémence bull calf, Matières collection
Image Courtesy of Hermès Paris
Hermès space at La Pelota, in Via Palermo, Milan 2011
photo © Santi Caleca
Hermès space at La Pelota, in Via Palermo, Milan 2011
photo © Santi Caleca
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