The new Hermès store: ‘Incredibly Beautiful’
When Anton T. Huang, SSI Group president, sent out invitations for a Lighthearted Paper Fantasy with Hermès, we knew it was for real. An evening with exquisite surprises from this leading French luxe retail brand, which is not just about retail. Founded in 1837, Hermès is a centuries-old brand with fashion, art, culture and history in its much-coveted Birkin and Kelly handbags.
Manila’s 400 came to see what the reopening of Hermès in its Greenbelt 3 space was all about. Huang proudly pointed out the bigger space (now 411 square meters, from 200), a new beauty counter (Hermès’ lipsticks have been a hit since they painted the town orange, red and pink), a new exterior color (from black to terra cotta) and a second floor fully devoted to home furniture (art de vivre, porcelain, baby items and a private room), all very Hermès.
And then came the surprise: rolls of hand-painted paper done by French painter and graphic artist Geoffroy Pithon, hanging from ceiling to floor, flown in from Paris. Hermès’ signature winged horse expressed Hermès’ theme of the year — lightness — and brought guests to dream of whimsical, inspiring imageries.
We are all extremely proud of the new Hermès store and all the effort that the team put into building it. I must say it’s incredibly beautiful.
Champagne and hors d’oeuvres from Sala completed the sensorial experience with sounds from performer Ena Mori and DJ Mafia.
Huang says: “We are all extremely proud of the new Hermès store and all the effort that the team put into building it. I must say it’s incredibly beautiful and I’m certain that our loyal patrons will truly enjoy shopping in an environment that can be only genuinely Hermès.”
Fantasy is depicted on paper at the Hermès store reopening by French artist Geoffroy Pithon, whose works were flown in from Paris.
Dressed to welcome guests at Hermès Paper Fantasy event
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach
Anton Huang with Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray
Shaira Luna and Mari Jasmine
Joseph Tay, Stenie Coyiuto-Tay, Danna Coyiuto and Samuel Coyiuto
Kathy Huang and Rustan VP Michael Huang
Pam Quiñones, Anne Curtis-Smith, and Daryl Chang
Rustan president Donnie Tantoco (right) with wife Crickette Tantoco, son Christian Tantoco and Siobhan Moylan
Kerry and Kyle Tinga
Fantasy is depicted on paper at the Hermès store reopening by French artist Geoffroy Pithon, whose works were flown in from Paris.
Dressed to welcome guests at Hermès Paper Fantasy event
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach
Anton Huang with Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray
Shaira Luna and Mari Jasmine
Joseph Tay, Stenie Coyiuto-Tay, Danna Coyiuto and Samuel Coyiuto
Kathy Huang and Rustan VP Michael Huang
Pam Quiñones, Anne Curtis-Smith, and Daryl Chang
Rustan president Donnie Tantoco (right) with wife Crickette Tantoco, son Christian Tantoco and Siobhan Moylan
Kerry and Kyle Tinga
CLOSE
Why do we enjoy attending events such as this one, which is by far Manila’s most exciting luxe retail event of the year?
It’s not all about shopping for the world’s best bags, scarves, scents, fashion and home wares. Because it lifts our post-pandemic spirits, opens our eyes to more artistic journeys and reminds us of storied pasts.