Hermes International : Hermès unveils a new address at Shinsegae Department Store in Daegu, South Korea

Seoul, 7th December 2020

HERMÈS UNVEILS A NEW ADDRESS AT SHINSEGAE DEPARTMENT STORE IN DAEGU,

SOUTH KOREA, REINFORCING ITS PRESENCE IN THIS DYNAMIC CITY

With the opening of a new space at the Shinsegae department store on 4th December 2020, Hermès is delighted to present a larger destination where visitors can enjoy an enhanced retail experience. Echoing its setting with more collections to discover, the store reflects the ever-growing energy of Daegu.

The latest Hermès location in South Korea, this 330 m2 store in the capital of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Province stands out for its corner site within the mall, contemporary statement and smooth stone façade bordered in a lacquered bronze finish. Resembling both wood and marble, the soft ochre exterior sets the stage for a rigorous yet inviting plan inside. The layout is composed of two angular axes where the Hermès' métiers are demarcated by geometric frames and traditional material juxtapositions that highlight the inspirations and work of Korean art and artisans. The finessed service, heritage and French savoir-faire inherent to Hermès are in perfect harmony with the delicate craftmanship and sensitive minimalism of Korean design.

The wood marble finish from the outside façade reappears on walls and along the floors as a seamless transition inside. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the inlaid Hermès ex-libris, the signature house mosaic specially accented with hues of linen, yellow, grey and rose. From here, they can explore the open layout of the different Hermès' métiers. They are first introduced to the women's and men's silk collections as well as perfumes. Next, the leather universe, a generous space that includes bags and equestrian goods, is defined by a lacquer technique that transmits a leather effect. Nestled further into the store is a salon showcasing watches and jewellery. Towards the women's ready-to-wear collections, wallpaper featuring a subtle leaf motif expresses the character of this location. Elsewhere, sliding claustra panels have been produced according to the traditional chaesang-jang woven bamboo technique. Set in front of the windows, they simultaneously provide an intimate backdrop for the men's ready-to-wear, and home universe.

Under the Grecques lighting - a characteristic feature of Hermès stores - three bespoke carpets bring a subtle dynamism and sense of warmth to the environment. Woven in a spectrum of scarlet, ochre and beige, the naturalistic pattern evokes the mist that settles over the nearby mountains at dawn and dusk. Equestrian art from the Émile Hermès collection are complemented by contemporary Korean artists as an ongoing exhibition. Meanwhile, a silk scarf designed by French artist Aline Honoré titled L'Art du Bojagi honours the traditional square patchwork cloth that is used for decorative and symbolic purposes.

To celebrate the opening, two windows will display artworks by Osang Gwon that speak to his theme, "A trip to another joyful place." For this installation, the Korean artist has integrated Hermès objects into sculptural and photo assemblages.

Conceived by the Parisian architecture agency RDAI, the new Hermès store at Shinsegae significantly expands upon the previous Daegu location in size and finely-crafted design. From the breadth of collections to the quality of service, the store carries forth the fundamental values of the Parisian house.

Since 1837, Hermès has remained faithful to its artisan model and its humanist values. The freedom to create, the constant search for beautiful materials, the transmission of savoir-faire of excellence, and the aesthetic of functionality all forge the singularity of Hermès, a house of objects created to last. An independent, family owned company, Hermès is dedicated to keeping the majority of its production in France through its 43 workshops and to developing its network of 311 stores in 45 countries. The group employs more than 15,600 people worldwide, including more than 9,700 in France, among whom nearly 5,250 are craftsmen*.

Axel Dumas, a sixth-generation family member, has been Hermès CEO since 2013. Founded in 2008, the Fondation d'entreprise Hermès supports projects in the areas of artistic creation, training and the transmission of savoir-faire, biodiversity, and the preservation of the environment.

• As of 30th June 2020

Hermès Shinsegae Daegu 5F, 149 Dongbu-ro, Dong-gu,Daegu, South Korea 41229 82-53-661-6503