Back in 2010, Hermès launched petit h, a metier that allowed the luxury Maison to convert and upcycle materials – leather, crystal, porcelain, and silk into new creative and quirky objects that are fun, exciting, and, in the world of luxury, highly covetable. Now, Hermes brought the concept to their Dubai Mall store.
Under the creative direction of Godefrey de Virieu, the concept takes place in reverse. Unlike a usual design process work here does not start with a preconceived idea and grand design, but instead with materials which the Maisons’ other metiers have no use. Artists, artisans and designers use these overruns to improvise by combining and altering them in different ways, creating new, one-of-a-kind pieces.
The workshop breathes new life and meaning into unique, high-quality hybrid objects whose aesthetics and function are committed to Hermès’ spirit of ingenuity, exceptional know-how and the finest quality materials. The petit h souk boasts objects that are native to the region, a falcon stand which combines terracotta with leather, porcelain and crystal, as well as an incense burner that consists of fine terracotta dish elevated on a green and white base crafted from crystal.
The Dubai edition of Hermès’ petit h is reminiscent of a traditional Arabian souk. The space was designed by Emirati architect and designer Abdalla Almulla. The entire space is infused with the architecture of the traditional place of conviviality and trade. Featuring earthy tones on its walls and floors, as well as an open ceiling, the space diffuses soft light, as well as helps to minimise the exterior heat of the city, ultimately, creating an atmosphere that allows visitors to browse leisurely and enjoy a catch chat over a cup of tea.
The petit h souk is created with a colour palette to reflect the terracotta, clay, fabric and wood that was used in its construction. These construction materials were used to ancient know-how and echo the essence of petit h, where ingenious objects are created from diverse materials in a usual combination.
