In the heart of the Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion District), after about a year of careful restoration work, at 12 Via Montenapoleone, Hermès opens a flagship store with an entirely new look, renewing the historic bond that has bound the Parisian brand to the city of Milan since 1947, the date when it opened its first store in Via Sant’Andrea on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the birth of the French maison. The design of the new store, which celebrates the entire universe of images and equestrian references of Hermès, is the result of the work of the Parisian architecture studio RDAI, which reinterprets the values and aesthetics of the French brand, creating an intense dialogue between Parisian and Milanese architecture, in perfect harmony with each other.
The strong link between the two cities and their different architectures can be seen in many details of the new store, which is freely inspired by the designs of the historic flagship store in Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The store is now even larger – almost 1000 square meters – and is a true cabinet de curiosité. In the Milan store, which houses all the métiers of Hermès, from leather goods to home décor, there is all the essence of the Hermès buildings, starting from the entrance that welcomes customers into a space dedicated to the women’s silk collection, flanked by bijoux accessories. On the same floor, we find men’s silk and a small courtyard dedicated to beauty and fragrances. We continue to the second floor to admire the leather goods collections. The ready-to-wear and men’s accessories are revealed under a luminous vaulted ceiling, as well as a dressing room and a VIP room.
We wanted this store to be for Italians a place where they can discover the novelties, but also a space that testifies to our shared interest in Maison’s universe, in furniture and also in well-made objects, designed to last, whose function determines aesthetics.
This leads to the second floor, where a versatile space presents the complete range of home collections. On the same floor the women’s universe is revealed, including prêt-à- porter and footwear but also watches and jewelry and a new area dedicated to assistance and repairs. Finally, the third floor is reached. Here we find an atelier that hosts an expert leatherworker available for repairs and a tailor’s shop. The new reserved space is designed as a special living room, where wood paneling and mahogany furniture welcome customers into a cozy home-like atmosphere. Previously unseen objects, paintings, and sculptures, including works by Michele De Lucchi and Nathalie Du Pasquier, have been specially selected for the boutique’s decor, immersing visitors in an eclectic artistic atmosphere. Scents and colors, architecture and décor, fine details, and special themed areas, invite us to discover every corner of this fantastic store that celebrates the whole varied universe of Hermès and its incredible history.
