Situated at the corner of Collins Street and Exhibition street, the store features a line of arched windows that bring lightness to the space. Preserving its unique façade, the heritage-listed building welcomes visitors with a deep transitional space between the city and the store’s detailed decor with the traditional Grecques lights and the emblematic Faubourg mosaic. Inside, men’s and women’s silks are displayed alongside fashion jewellery and perfume, all nestled in a green cocoon adorned with leaf motifs. As guests delve deeper into the store, they discover an alcove covered with a woven pattern carpet inspired by the bark of the native Australian eucalyptus tree, where the house’s leather goods, watches and jewellery collection are showcased. The equestrian universe is nestled at the bottom of the staircase leading to the first floor, where the home collection, men’s ready-to-wear and shoes are displayed, followed by the women’s universe, the company said in a press release.

Designed by the Parisian architecture agency RDAI, the renovated store presents a light and verdant environment. On the ground floor, the natural wood and the bespoke fabrics’ spectrum of greens create the feeling of being immersed in a tropical rainforest. Upstairs, in a smooth transition, warmer floral tones of orange, ochre and pink evoke the vibrant hues of spring

Complementing the décor are artworks from the Hermès collection of contemporary photographs and the Émile Hermès collection such as Portrait of the Scorpion Horse by the English painter Francis Sartorius. For the opening, the French artist Hubert Crabières transforms the window scenography of the store into The Faubourg Enchantery. Playing with the stillness and permanence of photography printed on a moving fabric, this décor draws inspiration from Hermès’ theme of the year, in the spirit of the Faubourg, along with the artist’s memories and postcards of Melbourne.

The renovated Melbourne store offers a unique interpretation of the house know-how, inviting loyal customers and new visitors to discover Hermès’ contemporary creations through the singular craftsmanship of the house.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)