The famous French luxury brand, Hermès, has recently opened its doors in one of Amsterdam’s most unique architectural wonders. Situated on P.C. Hooftstraat, the boutique catches the eye with its stunning design created by Dutch architectural agency MVRDV in 2016. The standout feature of the building is its facade, which is made entirely of glass bricks. This gives the boutique a modern and luminous look, while also paying homage to the historic facades of the city.
The Hermès boutique spans an impressive 620 square meters and consists of two floors. The ground floor is accessible to the public, while the upper floor is transparent, allowing visitors to have a unique perspective of the surroundings. An interesting design element is that the glass bricks gradually blend with the traditional red bricks on the upper levels. This creates a harmonious blend of old and new, both inside and out.
Originally, the building was intended to house a Chanel boutique, but the concept evolved to make it suitable for Hermès. The architectural concept was fully realized when a blind wall at street level was removed, allowing the boutique to regain its full dimension and create a more inviting space. This emphasis on openness is also apparent in Hermès’ other retail locations, including their flagship store in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. The brand’s boutiques have been met with enthusiasm by customers, resulting in a significant growth in sales during the first quarter of 2019.
The theme of openness is not only reflected in the design of their boutiques but also in their expansion strategy. Hermès is planning to launch a Beauty line soon, demonstrating their desire to reach new market segments. The Amsterdam boutique, known as the “House of Crystal” due to its glass brick facade, is a remarkable addition to the brand’s growing presence in the luxury retail industry.
To visually experience the unique design of the Hermès boutique in Amsterdam, you can view photos by Daria Scagliola and Stijn Brakkee [here](https://examplelink.com).
For more information about the architectural agency, MVRDV, responsible for this masterpiece, visit their website [here](https://examplelink.com).
