The Hermès Exhibition at Milan Design Week Is a Rich Source of Inspiration

The Hermès Milan Design Week 2021 collection reaffirms that genuine sophistication lies in the enhancement of simplicity.

Milan Design Week, also known as Salone del Mobile among enthusiasts, is a more subdued iteration of fashion week, focused on furniture. The event is significant in its own right, as evidenced by its 2019 edition attracting 386,236 visitors in less than six days. It prioritizes propriety over pretension, with esteemed design trend forecaster Lidewij Edelkoort among its admirers. Furthermore, as moving numbers is a priority, the frivolity of purchasing furniture is counterbalanced by the functionality of how each piece integrates into the essentials of living.

The Hermès Milan Design Week 2021 installation epitomizes exquisite taste, serving as a design utopia for everyone who undertake the journey. What provokes delight this year? Can it be asserted that the pieces stimulate brain neurons that release substantial amounts of dopamine?

The Sillage d’Hermès – a naturally contoured seat — is both pleasant and durable. A visually appealing beechwood framework, characterized by its durability against scratches and blemishes, complemented by gentle and homogeneous grain patterns, adorned with cashmere cushions. A chair optimized for occupant comfort is meticulously lacquered and hand-painted by a collective of craftspeople.

Hermès Milan Design Week A seemingly basic basket, designated the Park and handcrafted by Hermès workers from a select group of 200 vanniers in France, offers immense pleasure. A leather and woven wicker bottle basket, which adapts to contours and alters hue with spills, accompanied by two Intervalle stemmed crystal glasses, beckons one to bask in the warmth of the sun and the lush green grass beneath.

The essence of the Hermès exhibit as a utopia lies in its simplicity. Artistic awards are unnecessary for the appreciation of the works. This exemplifies neither minimalism nor modernity; rather, it embodies a singular drive and sensibility in design that is universally appreciable, creating a piece that coexists harmoniously with one's life—an essence of authenticity, if you will.

A new dinnerware collection, Sialk, consists of pieces crafted from copper sheets coated with painstakingly placed enamel, necessitating an extensive understanding of color, and features a blend of textures and contrasts. Within the realm of Hermès, these items are crafted to honor texture, shown as the H Dye hand-woven plaits featuring distinctive geometric configurations—“a collection of decorative home objects that investigates the material language, imparting a sense of physicality and texture.” In a quotidian environment, these items from the Hermès Milan Design Week collection are visually appealing and serve as a means to convey one’s aesthetic sensibility without being overly precious or defensive. The genuine pleasure lies in the utilization of these meticulously designed objects.