Everything you need to know about the newest Hermès store in New York

Ever since 1837, Hermès has been a goal for the outstanding connecting people who have a preference for originality, skill, detail, and greatness. At Hermès, these principles remain at the heart of the brand and you can see them not only via the collections but also through the freshly opened flagship store. It is on 706 Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side, New York and it truly is an ode to the city, fusing the energy and dazzle of the municipality with traditional Parisian grace and refinement.

With 20,250 sq ft of retail area on four floors, the store vows a complete and full brand experience that will hit the minds and display the bases on which Hermès is built. There are three buildings, all of them connected by the Parisian architecture agency RDAI, with the neighboring buildings meeting in an L-shape covering the Bank. The interiors are marvelous and draw inspiration from Art Deco New York and the early Manhattan skyscrapers. It is whole with opposite angles and turns for an absolute visual show. The original architectural and design elements, like the statement stairs set against modern decor details in each salon, line handmade wallpaper, contrasting finishes, and a rich color palette with neutrals combined with vivid shades and artworks. The shop is a real treat for any eyes and the cherry on top is the rooftop garden.

Here are the things you should know about the store:

The design of the building

In the process of conceptualizing the design, the creators wanted to keep the integrity of the central structure that reflects a style popular in the 1920s. Back then, the building was the Bank of New York, and nowadays you can still find original details like the staircase that connects the first and second floors. Another interesting detail is the coffered ceilings that were saved from the Bank's original structure. Moreover, there is the original bank plaque in the store listing the founders and directors.

The location of the store

The brand has a long-standing connection with New York City, as the first independent store opened in the 1930s. Clients enter from the primary entrance and are greeted with the Hansom Cab from the 1830s which mimics the colors of a symbolic New York City Taxi. It was also vital for the brand to create harmony and symmetry in the Maison surroundings: so, the store is in the epicenter of art, nature, and commerce.

The themes of the store

Celebrating the grand opening, the CEO highlighted that the store offers a theatrical musical to the guests to experience. The show is about a love story between a fictional character and his ex-Joanna. The visitors will experience what happened behind the orange curtain, and it is crucial for the brand to immerse them in a lively experience.

The details of the interior and exterior

When we say Hermes we say craftsmanship and quality, so the designers wanted to match this energy to the product offering. Every floor has a stunning selection of materials, and the coloring palettes boost the interior as the clients move through their shopping experience. The fourth floor is towered by a unique vegetation motif designed by the French artist Francois Houtin. The pièce de resistance is the Miranda Brooks-designed rooftop garden where you can sit outside and enjoy the view.

The architecture

In picking the location, each store has to mix in with the surroundings. So, the design company RDAI, accountable for creating all the Hermes stores - has drawn local details for each project. For this one, they were very inspired by New York's past and unpretentious signals from Art Deco and the early Manhattan buildings and towers. What is more, besides blending within the neighborhood, the shop is part of the community in the hopes that it's not just a building, but it will continue to be a legacy.