Hermès’ Collections For The Home Set Inside Mauricio Rocha’s Brick Pavilion in Milan.

When it comes to their presentations during Milan Design Week, Hermès have never mucked around, just as one would expect from a fine French brand. This year was no exception as the luxury fashion house took residence inside Teatro Vetra at Milan’s 5Vie Design District. Sitting inside the dark, dimply lit theatre was a specially commissioned brick pavilion by Mexican architect Mauricio Rocha. Dramatic raw and grey backdrop served to highlight the softness and warmth of Hermès leather furniture and accessories, and the rich colours of the brand’s latest wall-coverings and textiles.

In the centre of the space, an arresting set of three large-scale wall panels featured a set of abstract wallpaper designs by the British illustrator Nigel Peake. Entitled ‘A Walk in the City’, the triptych depicted Morning, Afternoon and Evening in a rough crayon aesthetic. “You can see the work of his hand, the gesture of the craftsmanship, and that is really what lies at the heart of Hermès exhibition”, explained the brand’s artistic director.

Aside from the wildly beautiful new collection of furniture and home-wares, I was incredibly impressed with Hermès’ accompanying selection of campaign images (more in the gallery below). Raw and edgy as hell – they are not something I would expect to see from a reasonably conservative luxury brand like Hermès, but the risk the brand took with them makes me all tingly and crazy happy. Hats off to Hermès who definitely know what’s up. Respect.