Hermès is not about acquiring as many candy coloured Birkin, Kelly or Constance bags to validate your position in fashion or social status. To truly own a Hermès creation, whether it is a scarf or an iconic bag, is to have a confident sense of culture and to appreciate the Arts. It must be remembered that Hermès sails above the mainstream and thus those who can wear it to its full potential must also have a certain superior, modest elegance.
As I observed the fashions of the night I surprised myself by favouring the sartorial choices of the mature guests. Sadly, you are highly unlikely to spot outrageous pairs of six inch, tasselled and bejewelled Louboutins on them but you are able to gently rest your eyes upon their quiet grace and civility. Their Hermès scarves became accessories, their bangles and bracelets were wonderful additions to their overall comprehension of style. They were no mannequins for Hermès, instead they were admirable connoisseurs.
One older lady seated near me at the dinner was quite the Miss Havisham character with her powdered face and candy floss chignon. She dressed in all black; I did as I was uncertain if this was more of a ‘fashion’ or a Royal Opera House event. On her marriage finger was a stunning seven- carat plus emerald cut diamond, so heavy that I was quite sure she was unable to use that finger to support her fork. Others were equally whimsical in their beauty and adornments and many people chose to sparkle in tiny, twinkling sequins, beads or satin sheens. The men were also noteworthy, I am a great fan of foulards and pocket squares which almost all of them had draped on their lapels or tucked into their jackets.
The contemporary dance came after the champagne reception. It was an intoxicating, terrifying performance full of animalistic vigour. Four dancers, two men and two women crawled, leapt and grazed across the dusty, smoky stage choreographed exclusively for Hermès. They conveyed such urgent desire that their bodies moved in an agonising, tortured way whilst preserving the delicacy and form of traditional ballet. Some movements were languid, sorrowful in their expression with artful quivering. Others were incredibly physical and violent where their bodies were possessed with passionate electricity. It was so severe that the performers seemed to gain strength from their portrayal of pain. If I could relate it to something more tangible for you readers, I would describe it was very Fauvist.
photo taken at home
The dinner was quite a contrast. Earlier this year I had dinner and watched a ballet performance on that very same glass- house like terrace. That night Hermès had transformed it into a ‘My Fair Lady’ dream with a huge variety of flowers hung from the ceiling on spindly copper wire. There were a few amusing ‘accidents’ where these fragrant ornaments plunged onto the dining tables but these were forgiven as it meant those close by could take them home as a souvenir. The crystal glasses were understated and delightful. The table setting was simplistic and classic, in strict keeping with the concept of Hermès. The food was a delight and a popular favourite, roast duck with dauphinoise potatoes. Usually I expect these parties to be a little lazy with their catering, but this was such a pleasant surprise. The wine served has since become a new go-to favourite of mine, Jardin de Cigales Viognier. It was very fitting for the event as it was light, slightly sweet and evoked the essence of the botanical ambiance.
The part that truly made me smile was that the crates of fantastical flowers around the dinner tables were for the guests to pillage at their freewill as a token of the night. Whilst some took their time to concoct a tasteful, delicate bouquet (my friend), others clearly well versed in choosing flowers appeared with giant armfuls (using their husbands as vessels as well) of tropical greenery and exotic lilies. Then there was me, likely to be one of the youngest of the guests there, whom with much glee picked the ones I found most beautiful, therefore ending up with a rather incoherent mix.
Photo taken at home
Undeniably Hermès hosted a tasteful and imaginative party that embodies innovative culture under a perfumed glass sky of suspended flowers. There seems to be a rite of passage in owning something ‘Hermès’ and that is a stake in society and an education in the Arts. After all my godmother always told me that if you are a worldly career girl you are entitled to a Birkin, but I may add that if you are a believer of the ‘Great Masculine Renunciation’* then none of this need apply.
*A husband’s wealth and status is indicated by his wife’s appearance, possessions, dress etc. instead of his own.
MY OUTFIT
1920's DRESS-AFTERSHOCK
SHOES-RALPH LAUREN
RING-DIOR FINE JEWELRY
LIZA'S OUTFIT
DRESS-ALICE TEMPERLEY
SHOES-ZARA
CLUTCH-LOUIS VUITTON
