The Hermès inauguration of the Maroquinerie de Louviers. Since 1837, Hermès has remained faithful to its artisan model and its humanist values. The freedom to create, the spirit of innovation, the constant search for beautiful materials, the transmission of savoir-faire of excellence, and the aesthetic of functionality all forge the singularity of Hermès, a house of objects created to last. The Maroquinerie de Louviers, the second site of Hermès in Normandy, perpetuates the Maisons artisanal and human culture, the spirit of passing on its exceptional know-how, and the group’s environmental ambitions. This manufacture also includes a saddlery workshop to support the dynamic of equestrian métier, historically located at 24 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, in Paris.

The new manufacture is in line with the house’s artisanal model: a source of quality, sustainability, creativity, agility and innovation. Hermès is strengthening its role as a socially responsible company, creating high-quality jobs and reaffirming its desire to make a sustainable contribution to regional development. An architecture that combines bold gestures with environmental performance. Its unique design was entrusted to French Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh, whose work is rooted in what she calls “the archaeology of the future”, or how a building emerges in its environment and from the memory of its location. The positive energy of Maroquinerie de Louviers can be felt through out the building, as I say the environment of an object where it’s made of is important as it carries the energetic essence of the artisan, an intention in the 5D, and here at the Maroquinerie de Louviers I can confirm, seen through my eyes, felt through my senses, that the artisans have the needs met to create from purity and high frequencies, which makes the 3D art object a conscious inquiry for the collector. The artisan has to feel cherished and valued in it’s work environment. And this requirement and necessity is met here. Hermès stands for art and remains true to their values. I hope you enjoy these insights.

Let’s come to some crafts wisdom about the creation of an Hermès bag and some architectural details of the manufacture. As previously mentioned, the manufacture was entrusted to architect Lina Ghotmeh.

Did you know…

…there is just one artisan assigned to each bag style (including the Kelly bag), and it takes the artisan 15–20 hours to craft a single piece. A handle alone can take up to three hours. Precision, dedication, and discipline are imperative at the Hermès Workshop.

Also worth to mention:

…that red bricks store energy?

According to a study released in Nature Communication, red bricks can also be used to store energy. The red pigment within red bricks, they can be converted into efficient energy storage units. Which makes the Maroquinerie de Louviers an energetic powerhouse with a high frequency environment for the artisan to craft and support of their well-being.The structure of this building is marked by the power of the hand, allowing simultaneously the specific and the universal.

The architecture of the manufacture and on the way in which it enhances and preserves its site, in line with the house’s values which stand for precision, quality, authenticity, responsible growth, freedom and craftsmanship. The workshop is thus a true technical achievement serving Hermès’ environmental goals. The wooden-framed building was constructed on an industrial brownfield site using more than 500,000 bricks, produced 70 kilometres from Louviers to minimise the impact of construction while showcasing the know-how of Normandy’s brick-makers.

So super interesting! Hope you enjoy the slides captured at the inauguration of the Maroquinerie de Louviers showcasing the environment, Hermès Kelly treasures, and few details of the artisans space.