Hermes at La Pelota - PORTFOLIO ONE

Harmony was a word that surfaced quite often in the conversation about this year's presentation of Hermès at its iconic location, La Pelota in Milan. As abstract as the idea of harmony is and as tricky to articulate, it is easily and instantly felt. It has a natural sincerity that cannot be contrived.

- Komal Sharma

When we walked into the hall at La Pelota, at first glance we witnessed a volume created with rods that is structurally and perceptively quite contained, yet in experience it felt open, flowing, and harmonious. In walking from one end to the other, considering each of the objects-porcelain, textiles, blown-glass lamps, and furniture-an elusive idea of beauty was felt, one that begins at nothingness, at simplicity and effortlessness, and reaches a point of sophistication that is everything. As Alexis Fabry, coartistic director with Charlotte Macaux Perelman, of Hermès Maison, when pressed to define the concept of harmony, inadvertently said, "Finding a definition for it is quite difficult. Perhaps harmony is when you realize that something is right and well done."

THE HERMÈS PRESENTATION FOR HOME during Milan Design Week this year had an interesting narrative: how ideas of less, "of nothingness" can be used to tell a story quite layered and complete in itself. In allowing for some negative space, the artistic direction led us to look at what was essential.

Within a strong yet light visual vocabulary of iron rods and concrete-a very photogenic play of shadow and light-Hermès presented its creations for the home. In a sit-down interview on the steps at La Pelota, artistic directors Charlotte Macaux Perelman and Alexis Fabry articulated how the concept of harmony informed the curation as well as the scenography, while staying true to the maison's heritage, its equestrian heart, and its long-standing legacy of working with the finest materials, skills, and know-how.