Hermès, the renowned luxury fashion house, has recently embarked on its first-ever silk square design competition, inviting designers from all over the world to showcase their creativity. The response to this initiative has been astonishing, with a staggering 11,366 applications flooding in from artists in 123 different countries. This overwhelming level of interest has resulted in Hermès and their partner Designboom breaking the world record for participation in an international design competition.
In July, a jury will carefully select 100 candidates who will then be given the opportunity to present a comprehensive analysis of their projects. From this group, the top 10 finalists will be chosen to bring their designs to life on a larger scale. By March 2020, one to three winners will be selected, and Hermès will acquire their works to reproduce them for commercialization on their esteemed silk pieces.
This exciting design competition is just one of the progressive moves made by Hermès in recent years. The brand has been actively targeting millennial consumers by specifically designing stores to cater to their needs. Furthermore, Hermès is venturing into the beauty sector and has even launched their own series of engaging podcasts. This call for design submissions aligns perfectly with Hermès’ overall strategy of promoting openness and sharing, as evidenced by their impressive sales growth in the first quarter of 2019.
Hermès’ inaugural silk square design competition has captured the imagination of designers and enthusiasts worldwide. With an unprecedented 11,366 applications from creatives in 123 countries, this competition has set a new benchmark for international design competitions.
The competition welcomed participants from diverse artistic backgrounds, including both professionals and amateurs, showcasing Hermès’ commitment to fostering creativity and innovation across all fields. Out of the numerous applications received, 100 candidates will be chosen by a jury to present their designs in a detailed dossier. A select group of 10 finalists will then have the opportunity to showcase their creations on a larger scale, bringing their visions to life.
The winners, to be announced in March 2020, will have their designs acquired by Hermès and reproduced on their famous silk pieces. This unique competition underscores Hermès’ forward-thinking approach to brand strategy. The luxury fashion house has been actively targeting the millennial customer base with specially tailored stores, while also expanding into the beauty segment and launching immersive podcasts as new forms of engagement.
The success of this competition and Hermès’ broader strategy is evident in the accelerated sales growth they have achieved in the first quarter of 2019. By embracing openness and sharing, Hermès has solidified its position in the luxury market and emerged as an industry leader in fostering creativity and innovation. With the silk square design competition, Hermès continues to push boundaries and inspire designers worldwide.
Useful Links:
1. Designboom – The official partner of the Hermès silk square design competition, providing more information on the competition and showcasing other design-related content.
2. Hermès Official Website – Explore the world of Hermès and discover their luxury products, including their renowned silk pieces and other collections.
