The storied French house famous for the coveted Kelly and Birkin bags reopens its Singapore flagship after a major facelift – and it looks set to be an iconic Orchard Road attraction
The metal-clad façade as we knew it is no more. Thirty years after Hermes first inaugurated its flagship store at Liat Towers, the French luxury house has unveiled its beautifully revamped – or metamorphosed, as Hermes calls it – space in Singapore, and it’s bigger, brighter and more intimate than it was before.
Our first impression of the new store sets the bar high for the rest of the space. Taking up four floors (previously Hermes at Liat Towers only occupied three storeys), the contemporary chalk-white exterior is made up of angled embrasures designed to provide shade in the store from the sun. Remember to look up: on the roof is a rare sculpture of a Hermes firework-maker on horseback. It’s a replica of the figure atop the Hermes store on 24 Faubourg Saint-Honore in Paris, created for the brand 150th anniversary, and it’s only seen at a handful of stores worldwide.
There’s more for your eyes to feast on even before stepping in. The storied design house is well known for its stunning window displays, and the first installation, titled “Anatomy of a Gallop”, is created by Korean-American artist Jinny Seo, a former exhibitor at Third Floor, the store’s old gallery space. Curious to see what’s within? Ahead, we take you on a tour around the painfully elegant boutique we wish we called home:
First floor
Jewellery and watches are on display here in a dedicate salon that features warm, earthy colours, along with fragrances and the Hermes men’s universe, featuring ready-to-wear, hats, belts, bags, shoes and Soie beau, a range of silk accessories that includes a selection of ties in every colour.
Second floor
Head upstairs via the majestic teak staircase or the glass lift for Hermes’ famous leather goods, writing instruments, costume jewellery and the women’s universe. The complete ready-to-wear range is accompanied with a carpeted shoe lounge that commands a lovely view of the street below.
Third floor
If you ever dreamed of having a home that aligns with Hermes’ design aesthetic, then you’ll want everything on this floor, which is devoted to the brand’s home universe. For the first time in Singapore, you’ll experience the full collection of furniture, textiles, porcelain and crystal as well as sports and leisure creations such as beach and picnic goods. There’s also a luxurious VIP suite with walls covered in ecru velvet and gauzy silk, complete with a sofa and changing area hidden behind sliding curtains for the utmost privacy. Sleek.
Fourth floor: Aloft at Hermes
Spanning 111 square metres, the new art space is accessible by a dedicated staircase from the third floor, or directly from the Liat Towers lobby. It’s also one of five art spaces in the world operated by Fondation d’entreprise Hermes, a foundation that supports the visual arts and design. On show now is an captivating in-situ installation by Singaporean artist Dawn Ng, entitled “How to Disappear into a Rainbow”.
For more information on Hermes at Liat Towers’ reopening celebrations, see our event post.
Hermes Singapore, Liat Towers, 541 Orchard Road, Singapore 238881, p. 65 6738 9807. Open daily 10.30am-8pm.