The Art of Time and Timelessness: Hermès Exhibits in Zürich's Lichthalle Maag
In the heart of Zürich, the storied house of Hermès invites the public to get a peek at its atelier of artisanship with an exhibition called “Hermès in the Making,” running now until November 14th.
By Ash Longet
PR & Business Development
Since its founding by Thierry Hermès in 1837, Hermès has long understood that true luxury is not disposable. Émile Hermès, the founder’s grandson who took control of the company after the turn of the century, encapsulated this idea, designing luxury goods to be treasured and repaired as needed: A quiet rebuff to the glamour of single-use consumption.
Today, Guillaume de Seynes, Executive Vice President and sixth-generation member of the Hermès family, captures this spirit in these words: “What drives us is the discovery and celebration of extraordinary savoir-faire. Our goal is to preserve, maintain, and even elevate it.”
This overarching philosophy becomes tangible in the “Hermès in the Making” exhibit, where visitors are invited to witness firsthand the meticulous processes behind each Hermès product and the dedication of the artisans who breathe life into them.
Craft Fair
Arranged in a manner that echoes artisan workbenches, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey through four thematic pillars: preservation and transmission of know-how, respect for materials, commitment to sustainability, and regional grounding. But don’t expect a mere retail-like display of finished luxury products.
Instead, visitors are given a rare opportunity to see artisans at work, watching as silk scarves are brought to life through delicate prints and colors, leather is carefully stitched and crafted into the famous Kelly bag, and an Hermès H08 is patiently assembled.
According to Isabelle Rivière, an expert in leatherwork at Hermès Horloger, “An artisan must never grow complacent. We are constantly exploring new materials and techniques to bring new life to our craft.” This dedication to continual learning is a vital part of Hermès’ commitment to quality and innovation.
Hermès DIY
Additionally, abundant interaction infuses the event with a sense of discovery and playfulness. Through hands-on activities, visitors can try their hand at saddle stitching or even witness the “musical composition” of knives used to shape leather.
Moreover, in a nod to Switzerland’s watchmaking heritage, a section of the exhibition is dedicated to showcasing Hermès’ watchmaking craftsmanship, including leather marquetry.
Perfection as a lifestyle
Another of Hermès’ defining aspects is its commitment to in-house production. Approximately 55% of Hermès’ products are crafted within its own ateliers, ensuring a level of quality control that is in sync with the house’s dedication to excellence.
Yet, the Maison’s carefully chosen external suppliers also engender the same relentless pursuit of perfection. Collaborators like Basel-based master glass designer Matteo Gonet share Hermès’ passions and push boundaries in their own crafts.
As Gonet observes, “Perfection is never fully achieved – it is a way of life.” This shared quest for excellence, where only the finest materials are selected and crafted to endure, ensures that each Hermès object transcends mere luxury, becoming something truly valuable and lasting.
The “Hermès in the Making” exhibit is making its tenth stop since its 2021 debut in Copenhagen, offering the city of Zürich a profound exploration into the brand’s values and inviting visitors to better understand why “Hermès is not expensive, but costly” (a defining quote from Robert Dumas, chairman of Hermès from 1978 to 2006).
This cost is not merely monetary investment, but it is also an investment of time, patience, and an irreplaceable human touch. Through this exhibition, Hermès affirms that true luxury lies not in possession but in preservation – a value that, like its finest creations, endures.
To learn more about the exhibit “Hermès in the Making,” check out the brand’s website.