Hermès recently hosted a mesmerizing and enchanting fashion show called ‘On the Wings of Hermès’ at the Santa Monica airport. Due to overwhelming demand, the show was held in two separate sessions on July 14th. The first session was exclusively for media, while the second session was reserved for private clients and celebrities.
The event took place at The Barker Hangar, a spacious venue at Santa Monica airport. As guests entered the 35,000-square-foot room, they were greeted with an atmosphere of darkness, setting the stage for an extraordinary experience. The show unfolded in seven mini-shows, with each one drawing inspiration from the myth of Pegasus. Renowned Belgian director Jaco Van Dormael, along with choreographer Michèle Anne de Mey and writer Thomas Gunzig, collaborated with French set designer Sylvie Olivé and the Kiss and Cry collective to create a captivating and poetic production.
The project, ‘On the Wings of Hermès’, was conceived during the pandemic in 2020. Hermès was intrigued by the show-model called Cold Blood, which Van Dormael, de Mey, and their team had created in 2016. Hermès entrusted them with the task of developing a 40-minute production centered around the theme of lightness. The result was a show that encompassed the essence of magic and special effects, reminiscent of the style of Méliès. Each act of the show offered a unique interpretation of lightness, from defying gravity to exploring love in the sky.
‘On the Wings of Hermès’ has already been showcased in various cities, including Paris, Tokyo, Taipei, and Hong Kong. The show is set to continue its global tour, with upcoming stops in Shanghai and Paris. This international tour highlights Hermès’ commitment to sharing its artistic and creative vision with audiences around the world.
Los Angeles holds a special significance for Hermès, as the city previously hosted the brand’s men’s show in 2017. In February, Hermès will once again return to Los Angeles during the Frieze art fair festival, presenting a show by Philippe Découflé. Découflé, known for choreographing the 1992 Olympic Games in Albertville, France, collaborated with Hermès on the Hermès Parade in Seoul in May. This unique show featured 400 objects from Hermès’ home collection, brought to life through choreography.
Additionally, Hermès will be making an appearance at New York Fashion Week in September. The highly anticipated show will be held at the Domino’s Sugar Refinery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This move demonstrates Hermès’ commitment to engaging with fashion capitals worldwide and ensuring its presence is strongly felt in the industry.
Overall, the ‘On the Wings of Hermès’ show in Santa Monica was a truly enchanting experience. The collaboration between the talented team of artists and the fashion house resulted in a captivating and poetic production. With upcoming shows in Shanghai, Paris, and New York, Hermès continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences with their unique artistic vision.
Useful links:
– Hermès Official Website
– On the Wings of Hermès Official Website
