Crimson Red: The History of Hermes at Pacific Place

The House of Hermes, as one of most respected French fashion brands in the luxury world, hosts a month-long pop-up exhibition in the atrium of Pacific Place, Jakarta. Visitors will have a chance to see how Hermes has evolved as a brand with its hand-in-hand traditions since its founding in 1837.

Hermès is known for its use of orange on its most coveted Birkin and Kelly bags. The high fashion and luxury goods company, Hermes, was founded by Thierry Hermes who sold horse tack in Paris. He was succeeded by his son Emilé who moved the shop to 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

The DNA of the Hermes has been consistently preserved which is evident in the current logo of the brand and its annual horse jumping event, The Saut Hermès. Hermes is now known for its high-quality leather, lifestyle accessories, and jewellery making it well placed in the luxury industry.

In conjunction with the re-opening of the Hermès store at Pacific Place, the exhibition provides a tour of the house which is separated into five chambers where visitors have an opportunity to explore the fashion narrative beyond the fabric and its material, curated by Bruno Gaudichon.

Titled Hermès Heritage: Rouges Hermès, visitors will be shown the rich, crimson that plays an important role in numerous Hermes products, and which has appeared for over a century on its fabric and material.

In the first room, audiences can view the private collection of Emile Hermès, the third-generation president of Hermès. Also on view, the crimson 18th century perfume bottle and other collections including the 19th century military saddle.

The shades of red continuously play on the vintage golf bag, and the luggage collection such as a 1930 travel bag as well as old version of one-of-a-kind birkin bag, made from crocodile skin.

The elegance of crimson red is displayed on the custom design collection of the head-to-toe accessories such as boots, gloves, gowns, and pocket watch. The final surprise comes in the last room where where jewellery cabinets in mahogany with a circular makeup mirror in the middle hold a collection of purses. The house’s signature fabric horse monogram adorns the wall.

Today, Hermes is under the artistic direction of Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski who preserves the brand’s DNA and continues the innovations which can be seen in the official store next to it.

The Hermes Heritage: Rouges Hermès will run until 22 April. The exhibit is open from 10 am to 9.30 pm, at the Atrium, Pacific Place Mall, Jakarta.