Hermès Window: The Maze of Silk
The Silk of Maze is a conceptual exclusive VIP experience event hosted by Hermès in the fall of 2024. This prestigious gathering invites a select group of VIP members to unveil Hermès' latest silk designs and celebrate the successes of an extraordinary year.
Hermès extends a warm invitation to esteemed guests from around the globe, inviting them to embark on a journey to its cherished home in Paris.
This iconic city, synonymous with art, culture, and sophistication, serves as the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable experience, where the spirit of Hermès comes to life in its most authentic form.
INSTITUT DE FRANCE
The Institut de France is an iconic symbol of French heritage, sophistication, and creativity, making it the ideal venue for Hermès' VIP experience. Its historic architecture and cultural significance perfectly align with Hermès' values of timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship. Set along the Seine in the heart of Paris, the Institut provides a majestic and exclusive setting that enhances the celebration of Hermès' artistry and legacy.
Source: Institut De France
The hemicycle beneath the Institut de France’s iconic coupole is a semi-circular amphitheater, elegantly framed by stone arches and crowned by the majestic dome above. Its harmonious form, blending neoclassical symmetry with rich historical detail, creates an intimate yet grand atmosphere.
HERMES WINDOW - THE MAZE OF SILK
#TIMELESSNESS
#ELEGANCE
#CRAFTMANSHIP
The entry design for this event draws inspiration from the iconic "Hermès Windows," celebrated for their minimalist, whimsical, poetic, and playful aesthetics. The entryway serves as a visual and conceptual gateway, perfectly framing the event space beyond, much like Hermès windows frame imaginative worlds that captivate passersby.
The silk design features a warm orange tone of the lively autumn, a nod to the classic Hermès brand and its iconic color that symbolizes luxury and timeless style. The design itself blends contemporary elements with traditional motifs, depicting horses, gardens, and structures in a dynamic and playful way. This fusion of heritage and modernity captures Hermès’ ability to seamlessly integrate its rich history with innovative design, creating a visually striking yet sophisticated pattern that evokes both the past and the future.
Stepping into the event space, guests are surrounded by layers of silk with intricate designs, elegantly suspended through a delicate tensile structure. This creates a flowing, circular path that guides the journey, immersing guests in a harmonious blend of artistry and craftsmanship. The soft, ethereal quality of the silk contrasts beautifully with the structural precision, reflecting Hermès' commitment to both innovation and timeless elegance. The main event space is designed with classic French-style outdoor seating arrangements, evoking the charm and elegance of Parisian cafés.
Each group of silk screens is thoughtfully arranged to correspond to the number of guests. The silk screens are designed to be taken after the event by each guest as an souvenir from this celebration, as an impactful move of event strategy but also a contribution to sustainability.
Elevated spaces along the sides feature bar-top tables, offering the perfect vantage point for guests to mingle and enjoy the surroundings. This thoughtful design creates a dynamic flow, combining comfort and sophistication, while ensuring that every guest feels engaged in the lively, social environment.
As the darkness of night reaches down to the maze of silk, the silk screens are brought to life by gradually elevated illumination. The soft glow spreads outward, casting a warm, enchanting light across the space, transforming the atmosphere. This gentle illumination not only highlights the intricate patterns of the silk but also creates a captivating interplay of light and shadow, adding a sense of depth and magic to the surroundings. The effect is both serene and dynamic, inviting guests to linger and experience the space in an entirely new, glowing dimension.
As the evening unfolds, the stage screen, seemingly floating in midair, begins to shift slowly and subtly. The motion is gentle, almost imperceptible, setting the tone for the performance to come.
As the show officially begins, the silk, movement, and shadow converge, creating a symphony of visual spectacle.
The delicate flow of the silk dances with the shifting light, casting fluid shadows that add depth and drama to the scene. Each element harmonizes effortlessly, weaving together a dynamic and captivating narrative that envelops the audience in a breathtaking sensory experience.
Stepping out of the Hermès window… The art piece is the event itself, an shifting spectacle…
BEHIND THE SCENE
The creative and forward “Hermès Windows” were a part of the inspiration.
As one of the popular products, the silk scarf also became a big part of the inspiration.
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Option 4
The screen arrangement is decided based on the ease of way finding and the aesthetic of its form.
Potential framing structures for the stage.
Furniture selection from Hermès’ own collection - Metiers chairs and round table.
Testing of the material and color.