Hermes has unveiled the new look of its renovated flagship store in the Shanghai Plaza 66, introducing a unique stone store front. 

The store spans two floors, occupying a 656sqm area. Its exterior features a long window carved into its stone surface to allow more natural light to filter through. Meanwhile, the facade at the ground floor uses an addition of windows set in a deep-green tinted glass that “mingles invitingly with the mineral hues of the stone tiles”.

“The vision for this store evokes the richness of the local culture and Hermes’ connection with the city of Shanghai, creating an engaging backdrop for discovering the 16 metiers of the house,” the brand said in its statement. 

Designed by the Parisian architecture agency RDAI, the interiors feature a fluid, curved layout, drawn in response to the existing volumes of the space. To create a sense of intimacy, Hermes uses a colour palette of deep blue-green, burgundy, and caramel, alternating between matte and lacquer surfaces with added accents of plush velvet.

The store design is highlighted with an almost two-metre-high sculpture, which is a cloud-like vision of a horse at full gallop, crafted from more than 10,000 glass pearls suspended by threads. Above the stairs floats a commissioned work by Chinese artist Xiaojing Yan.

VIP rooms and lounge areas furnished with deep leather sofas and armchairs, create an inviting ambience throughout the space. Besides a full selection of men and womenswear, accessories, perfume and beauty, Hermes Shanghai Plaza 66 also presents selected artwork, contemporary photography, carre prints, and works from the Emile Hermes collection. 

“This new Hermes store offers local customers and new visitors an utterly bespoke retail experience, set in an engaging and welcoming environment,” the house said. “It binds the culturally vibrant essence of Shanghai with the Parisian house’s contemporary creative spirit and fine craftsmanship.”