The house of Hermès gives castaway materials and objects a new lease of life in a creative workshop titled “Petit h”.
July 30th, 2013
Special piece for the Singapore exhibition
We’re here in the Hermès showroom in Singapore, not for the unveiling of the newest luxury fashion or homeware line, but to see old, discarded objects. To explain, these have all been beautifully reworked into a diverse range of products in a unique initiative called “Petit h”.
Side tables in crystal and porosus crocodile leather. Photography: Philippe Garcia
Conceived by Pascale Mussard, a sixth generation member of the Hermès family, “Petit h” features everything from furniture pieces, to fashion accessories and decorative objects – each one lovingly created in the Hermès workshop by expert craftsmen and artists. As a whole, the whimsical collection is designed to stir the imagination, and surprise – thus capturing the soul of Hermès.
Special piece for the Singapore exhibition
Porcelain and leather lamp. Photography: Philippe Garcia
Mussard, who was in town for the exhibition opening, likens herself to a “Karung Guni” man, or in this case, woman (a local term used to describe a person in the rag and bone trade).
Chair made of past issues of Le Monde d’Hermès magazine. Photography: Studio Des Fleurs
Taking an accumulated supply of unwanted material from the house of Hermès that she has patiently gathered over time, Mussard continues the Hermès tradition of close cooperation with the finest master craftsmen – from leather workers to seamstresses, gold- and silvermiths, crystal and porcelain workers and more – to bring a series of collaborative ideas to life.
Special piece for the Singapore exhibition
Silk and leather hammock. Photography: Philippe Garcia
“Hermès is about innovation, creation… [so I wanted] to find the most innovative, creative designers to make new objects… [in] any field, [in] any size,” Mussard explains.
Following our tour, we have to say “Petit h” is an inspiring exhibition not just for Hermès fans but the public at large.
Windmill in leather and hackberry. Photography: Philippe Garcia
Top image: Sailboat in silk, leather and wood. Photography: Philippe Garcia
“Petit h” creations are being shown as a travelling exhibition and pieces are for sale.
In Singapore from 26 July to 11 August 2013 at Hermès, 541 Orchard Road, Liat Towers. Visit lesailes.hermes.com/gb/en/petith for more information.
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