hermes

Hermes Mahogany & Leather Valet Stand

The famed French luxury goods house of Hermès has come out with the ultimate accessory for the world's best-dressed gentlemen -- a valet stand in solid mahogany, fine leather and brass with ebony detailing.

The luxe piece, designed to accommodate a full suit of gentleman's clothing and accessories, is a limited edition re-issue of a classic item created for Hermès in 1930 by famed French decorator and designer Paul Dupré-Lafon. The original was sold by Sotheby's at its Art Nouveau & Art Deco Design sale in Paris in 2007 for about $65,000.

Tags: Art Deco, bespoke, cufflinks, France, gentlemens accessories, Hermès, Hermes, hermes valet stand, hermes+valet+stand, hermesvaletstand, leather, luxury goods, mahogany, mahogany+mens+valet+stand, mahoganymensvaletstand, mens accessories, mens clothing, mens Hermes, mens style, suit, valet stand, vintage Hermes

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Hermès Presents Jean-Michel Frank

by Bobbie Leigh (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor

Simple lines and exotic veneers epitomize the furniture of French legendary designer Jean Michel-Frank. His original pieces are hard to come by so it's good news that Hermès has joined with the Frank family to reissue some of his iconic furniture. The clean-lined cubic pieces with leather and wood veneers will be in the New York Hermès store at 691 Madison Avenue and other stores nationwide in April. At first glance, some of the pieces will seem familiar as Frank's understated approach to chairs, sofas, and tables has been widely copied, but in fact, rarely equaled. Frank had a devoted following, admirers of his pale palette and near minimalist approach. He designed apartments for such luminaries as the Rockefellers in New York and Cole Porter in Paris. In spite of his success, he was a tragic figure who lost two brothers in World War I, his father and then his mother at an early age. He left Paris for Argentina when Word War II broke out and horribly depressed committed suicide in Manhattan in 1941 at the age of 46. Frank's banking family included Otto Frank and his famous diarist daughter Anne.

Tags: 1930s furniture, decor, French style 1930s, furniture, Hermès Frank Collection, hermes, modern classic furniture

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Hermes Showcases Craft In New Exhibit

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

Luxury brand Hermès is known for its craftsmanship. It is one of the reasons that we awarded it the Luxist Awards' Editors' Choice Award for Best in Accessories last year and the reason that the Birkin bag has become one of the world's most coveted luxury posessions. That craftsmanship is on display at a new Hermès festival, The Festival of Crafts, that begins on the west coast at The Bravern in Bellevue, Washington on February 23 through February 28. From there the festival will travel to Chicago, Washington D.C. and then abroad offering a glimpse behind the scenes at how the beautiful objects that Hermès fashions come together.

Tags: hermes, Hermes Leather, hermes-birkin, luxury brands

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The Fashion Statement: Will 2011 be the Year of the Hat?

by Kristin Young (RSS feed) —

Filed under: The Fashion Statement

Hats worn for the express purpose of style hasn't been widely popular since the '20s. Millinery did have a brief comeback in the '80s when Princess Diana gave visibility to the British tradition of wearing hats for special occasions. Now Kate Middleton is again putting a modern face under the British topper. And numerous designers on both sides of the pond made the hat a central focus of their spring/summer runway collections. And then there is Lady Gaga entertaining us all with her theatrical chapeaus.

Not since the '80s have we seen so many hats! So we wonder: Could 2011 be the year of the hat?

Arguably the most buzzed about accessory of the season was the colorful, wide-brimmed hat like the one above at Prada. Badgley Mischka and Marc Jacobs channeled Jodi Foster in Taxi Driver with their bright pink versions shown over hair that had been appropriately curled and frizzed. Sally Field in The Flying Nun would have fit right in at Missoni where almost every model wore hats that flapped down the runway like wings. And Alberta Ferretti went boho by pairing floppy fringed brims with her collection of gauzy ethereal gowns.

Gallery: Hat Gallery

Tags: Alberta Ferretti, ann demeulemeester, Anna Sui, BadgleyMischka, Carolina Herrera, Christian Dior, dsquared2, Giles Deacon, Hermes, issey miyake, John Galliano, John paul gaultier, just cavalli, Kate Middleton, Lady Gaga, Missoni, moschino, Prada, Princess Diana, Sonia Rykiel, YohjiYamamoto

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Diana Vreeland's Suitcase, Rare Birkin Bags Up For Auction

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags, Auctions

Heritage Auctions is branching out into the luxury accessories category with their first auction in Heritage's Luxury Accessories category as part of the December 13 Fine Jewelry and Handbags auction. We've been seeing more and more action in this category from auction houses lately as older bags have commanded high prices. This auction includes a pair of rare Hermes Birkin bags--two Hermes Porosus Crocodile Birkin handbags, one in Shiny Fuschia, the other in Matte Black are each estimated to bring in over $40,000. Those two Birkins are the most expensive in a selection of more than 30 Hermes Birkins and Kelly handbags in the auction, all of which are greatly coveted by collectors.

But perhaps even more interesting to students of fashion is the brown crocodile suitcase belonging to legendary Vogue editor and style icon Diana Vreeland. The English brown crocodile suitcase, shown above, is from the 1930s and replete with her initials. It is estimated at $5,000.

Collectors of Judith Leiber's beaded minaudieres will also want to check this auction out. It includes a variety of highly collectible versions of her small purses which are often in the shapes of animals and plans. The collection also includes some her earliest metal bags from the 1960s, which are rarely available on the market.

The auction not only marks the first appearance of Luxury Accessories at Heritage, it is also the first auction for the company conducted by Matt Rubinger, Director of Luxury Accessories at Heritage and a widely-known and highly-respected voice in the world of high-end handbags. With the auction taking place just two weeks before Christmas, Rubinger has a feeling that "more than a few of these will end up under a tree somewhere."

Lots from the Luxury Accessories Auction will also be available for lot viewing in New York, at the Fletcher-Sinclair Mansion (Ukrainian Institute), at 2 East 79th Street (at 5th Ave.) on December 2-5.

Tags: Birkin Bag, birkin bags, collectible handbags, handbags, hermes

Hermes Cape Cod Tonneau Bleu de Malte Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

For the ladies this is the new color in the Hermes Cape Cod watch collection. The "Bleu de Malte" offers up a blue toned Hermes calfskin leather strap with gray stitching, and more blue on the dial used for the outline of the signature art deco hour numerals. The blue mixes well with the steel of the case, and the Cape Cod Tonneau look is always timeless in feeling. Not sure about the size of the watch, but the case is available with diamond decoration on the bezel and lugs.

The dial is in mother of pearl, so the blue rimmed numerals stand out to look great.. Mother of pearl is so diverse and elegant - no matter how much it is used today in watches. While the lady's Cape Cod does have an iconic shape, it also has a very easy to read dial, which helps this one stay a classic. Look or the Hermes Cape Cod Tonneau Bleu de Malte watch soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: bleu, blue, cape cod, hermes, matle, tonneau, watch

LVMH Poised To Take Over Hermes?

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Wealth, Luxury Shopping

"If you are friendly, you will withdraw Mr. Arnault" - a statement recently made by Hermes Group board to LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault. Recently LVMH acquired a full 17 percent of Hermes stock, signaling a possible move to take over the popular family-owned luxury brand. Hermes is one of the last remaining family-owned major luxury brands, most are part of larger groups such as LVMH and the Richemont Group. LVMH is said to be the largest luxury group in the world.

After acquiring the large stake in Hermes, LVMH announced that it did not have current intentions to take over Hermes. Hermes has made it very clear that they do not wish to be part of a large luxury group - a move that would fundamentally change how the brand is run and operated. Hermes seems to be dedicated to remaining independent, which is understandable given the massive changes that occur when large groups take over such brands.

The good name of Hermes would benefit LVMH that already has names such as Louis Vuitton - arguably a direct competitor of Hermes. With Hermes under its belt, LVHM would have more ammo to fight the Richemont Group - which is arguably its largest competitor. At issue are a range of products such as leather goods, lifestyle products, clothing, watches, jewelry, and more.

While LVMH seems clear in their dis-intent to take over Hermes completely at this time, the act of buying 17 percent of the stock is not without meaning. LVMH likely wants to prevent other groups from taking the brand over, and may also be planning out ways of engaging in a future friendly or hostile take over. Hermes family members are said to retain about 73 percent of all Hermes shares. So LVMH would have to negotiate the family members directly in order to pursue such a takeover - who have special rights associated with Hermes bylaws in order to prevent hostile takeover attempts. Stay tuned in the next year or so to see what becomes of this potential take over attempt.

Via Reuters.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: Hermes, LVMH, shares, stock, take over, takeover

Diageo Eyeing 100% of LVMH Drinks Business?

by David Kiley (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Spirits

Diageo may want LVMH drinks.

Bain & Company, a U.S. retail consultant company, published a study recently that claims a surge in luxury sales of apparel, shoes, accessories, leather goods, and perfumes, despite the sluggish economy because, as Claudia D'Arpisio, a company spokesperson said, "The recovery has been faster than expected."

The company expects a 3 to 5 percent increase in luxury goods sales in 2011, and points out that the market for luxury goods is likely strongest with young males in China.

Headed by France's richest man, Bernard Arnault, LVMH deals in all sorts of luxury goods and the company recently took a 14% stake in Hermes. Analysts think that's only the start of a takeover bid.

Gallery: Diageo Eyeing LVMH Drinks Business?

Tags: 10 Cane, Belvedere, captain morgan, cognac, Diageo, Dom Perignon, glenmorangie, hennessey, Hermes, Krug, moet and chandon

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Hermes Wins the Luxist Awards' Editors' Choice Award for Best in Accessories

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Hermes wins the Luxist Awards' Editors' Choice Award for Best in Accessories.

Hermès, the Paris-based fashion house known for its designs that evoke refined elegance, is the winner of the Luxist Awards' Editors' Choice Award for Best in Accessories.

What is better in life than receiving a gift presented in Hermès' iconic orange box with that lovely brown ribbon wrapped tightly around it? The only thing that is better than its signature packaging is the gorgeous Hermès handbag, wallet, watch, belt, scarf or tie that might happen to be hidden inside.

Hermès is the epitome of true luxury. Each and every one of its products are made extraordinarily well, with the best of design and highest of craftsmanship. The company, which has roots as a maker of equestrian equipment, carefully guards its brand. Hermès never discounts the prices of the merchandise offered at its boutiques and maintains strict control over its brand and image.

Gallery: More from Hermes

Tags: awards-main, Best accessories, birkin, birkin bags, BirkinBag, editors choice, editors choice award, hermes, Kelly Bag, Luxist-awards, winners-accessories, winners-editors-choice

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Yamaha VMax by Hermes

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

With its four-cylinder engine and brushed metalwork, Yamaha didn't have to do much to the VMax to make us want it any more than we already do. But then they went ahead and created this beauty.

The result of a collaboration between Yamaha and Hermès, this one-of-a-kind VMax has been decked out in the finest buffalo skin, covering everything from head lamp to tail pipe. Unveiled at a motorcycle exposition in Germany, it's not the first time the two powerhouses have collaborated, Hermès having similarly decked out a Virago cruiser back some fifteen years ago. But it sure is the most awesome.

Gallery: Yamaha Vmax by Hermes

Tags: hermès, hermes, motorbike, motorcycle, yamaha, yamaha vmax, yamaha vmax by hermes

LVMH Picks Up A Share Of Hermes

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Shopping

Luxury conglomerate LVMH has gobbled up a piece of the desirable luxury brand Hermes. The Financial Times reported that LVMH announced that they purchased 15,016,000 shares of Hermès International, a 14.2 percent of the share capital of the company. Through various other actions the company plans to increase its share to 17.1 percent. In the announcement LVMH was very careful to state that its goal is not to take over control of the company or even sit on the Board. The announcement states that the objective of LVMH is to be a "long-term shareholder" and to"contribute to the preservation of the family and French attributes which are at the heart of the global success of this iconic brand."

Still, there is reason to be concerned, often when a company takes a piece of another company it's often a prelude to takeover. And while the share is relatively modest at this point, footholds have a tendency of growing with time. Even in this uncertain luxury climate Hermes has continued to thrive making it a hot commodity. LVMH got to be LVMH by absorbing a variety of previously family-owned businesses, there's no guarantee that Hermes might not someday be one of them.

Tags: hermes, Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, lvmh

Hermès Cape Cod Tonneau Gem-Set Rose Gold Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

With the grace and poise of a Cartier, this fellow Parisian Hermes Cape Cod Tonneau Gem-Set Rose Gold watch is a "grow on you classic" luxury jewelry watch. Building on the Cape Cod Tonneau (which is the shape of the case) watch collection for women, this new model comes in an 18k gold case case with diamond decoration and a mother-of-pearl dial.

The case is set with 52 full-cut top-grade diamonds. The precious stones go quite well with the mother-of-pearl dial. The classy looking Cape Cod case is further complimented by the fantastic art deco style Arabic hour numerals. Inside the watch is a Swiss quartz movement and it comes matched to either a brown or black alligator strap with gold buckle.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: cape cod, diamonds, gold, hermes, tonneau, watch

Assouline Fields Polo Team at the Ambassador's Cup

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events, Sports, Books

Last fall luxury imprint Assouline published the ultimate book on the aristocratic sport of polo. This season they went one step further and fielded a polo team of their own at the 71st Annual Ambassador's Cup at the Mashomack Polo Club near Rhinebeck in Dutchess County, New York. The imprint's founders Prosper Assouline and wife Martine (above) flew in from Paris to cheer on their players, dressed in matching Assouline polo team shirts. Matches took place Sept. 24 – 26 with representation from countries including Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, Germany, Hungary, Peru, Italy, Switzerland, and the United States. In addition to Assouline, other well known firms fielding teams in the event, run under the auspices of the Federation of International Polo (FIP), included Berluti shoes, Hunter boots, Hermes, Beretta, The Carlyle Hotel and Moncler, with the Hunter team emerging triumphant.

Gallery: Assouline Polo at the Ambassador's Cup

Tags: Assouline, Beretta, Berluti, books, Carlyle Hotel, coffee table books, equestrian, France, Hermes, horses, Hunter, Mashomack Polo Club, Moncler, New York, Paris, polo, Prosper Assouline, Rhinebeck, sports

Dior Couture Pleated Dress

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

True fashion is timeless. When you find a piece that is a classic, the momentary trends take a back seat. You imagine yourself wearing this garment for years to come because you feel exceptional in it as it works with your body perfectly. We all have that one piece, and for the lucky ones a few pieces, which make you feel as though you have truly gotten your money's worth and then some. Take for example, Diane von Furstenberg's iconic wrap dress that was originally released in the 1970's and has maintained its appeal and wearability nearly 40 years later. Amazing!

Another dress to add to that list is the Dior Couture Ivory Dress ($2,976). It's exquisite! The Dior Dress could easily being seen on a celebrity walking the red carpet or for us non-celebrities attending a formal event. Michele Meunier and Olivier Chatnenet are the designers behind the Parisian label, E2, who have reworked this vintage Dior Dress making it wearable for today. The contrast between black and ivory make for a striking presentation. Overall, the dress exudes a delicate and ultra feminine feel with an empire waist, black lace along the neckline, and silk flowers along the sides and at the waist with numerous eyelets accentuating the panel belt all topped off with a black silk ribbon at the rear. Although this dress is a hefty investment, it's one that will last through generations.

If you're interested in other dresses where the Parisian Fashion label E2 have been able to rework and restore, view the gallery below for one of kind garments.

Gallery: Vintage Dresses by E2

Source

Tags: chloe, christian dior couture, cornucopia, couture lab, dress, e2, hermes, jacques molko, lanvin, mr blackwell, Pierre Cardin, silk, valentino, vintage, Yves Saint Laurent

Hermes Debuts High-Tech Talaris Saddle

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Sports

Famed French luxury goods house Hermès may be best known for pricey fashion accessories these days, but the business began as a purveyor of equestrian items to the nobility back in 1837. The company has gone back to its roots while embracing modern technology with its latest offering, the Talaris saddle. Hermès unveiled the luxe item in conjunction with the Saut Hermès international show-jumping event it recently held at the Grand Palais in Paris. The $9,000 high-tech modular saddle features a tree made of carbon fiber and injected thermoplastic in place of the usual wood and steel, covered in the finest saddle leather. Master saddler Laurent Goblet came up with the design, aimed at taking the strain off the horse and the rider's backs. "This is at the heart of the essence of Hermès, which is about marrying tradition and innovation," the house's artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas told WWD.

Gallery: Hermes Talaris Saddle