This fall, petit h at Hermès’ Madison Avenue flagship has transformed the store into a whimsical wonderland. This vibrant showcase celebrates upcycling, craftsmanship, and community, allowing visitors to explore the art of transformation and creativity in fashion. Discover how Hermès breathes new life into materials, fostering a deeper connection with artistry and sustainability.
Petit h isn’t just a collection; it’s a movement. Since Hermès launched petit h in 2010, it has gained recognition. It transforms dormant materials from Hermès' workshops into unique pieces. Leather, silk, and other dreamy materials get a second chance at life. They are repurposed through pure creativity, finding a new home beyond traditional designs. The result? Unexpected treasures include quirky coffee cups and a glam grocery tote. Therefore, there are also stunning supersized mirrors. These items capture the true essence of reimagined materials.
A Sneak Peek into Hierro’s Playful World
At the exhibition’s preview, Lucia Hierro herself was all smiles, excitedly showing off the imaginative petit h creations. The pièce de résistance? Hot dog and burger bento boxes (yes, you read that right), sitting alongside a mock city sidewalk. But this was no ordinary street scene—everything here tells a story of creative transformation. There’s a wheelbarrow stool ready for a quick sit-down. Nearby, a stool dotted with leather mushrooms offers a whimsical nod to New York’s autumn. The entire space invites curiosity, encouraging visitors to touch and engage with the art like it's a playground.
The Workshop: Where Creative Sparks Fly
If you truly want to experience the magic of petit h, then you need to see where it all begins: the workshop. Think of it as a space where creativity runs wild. Hidden away in Pantin, Paris, this is where leftover silk and leather from Hermès get a second life. There’s no grand plan—just materials, imagination, and a lot of artistic intuition. As Godefroy de Virieu, the creative director of petit h, puts it: “We start with the unknown and follow where the material leads us.” It’s an improvisational dance, with artists and artisans collaborating to create unexpected, magical objects.
And how cool is this? Lucia Hierro herself traveled to Paris to meet the Hermès métiers, and she raved about it. “It was such a memorable experience,” she shared. “Working with Godefroy and the team to create pieces that capture the magic of New York City was an incredible opportunity.”
A New York Playground of Creativity
In true New York fashion, the exhibition brings a twist of local flair. Hierro’s transformation of the Hermès store takes you on a whimsical journey through the streets of the city, but with her artistic lens. Fire escapes, road signs, apples—everything gets a playful makeover. There’s even a personal touch: Hierro carved her mother’s initials into one of the window displays on Madison Avenue. It’s a sweet nod to family and heritage that blends perfectly with the art-meets-luxury vibe of the store.
At the heart of this whimsical world are the objects themselves. Picture hot dog and burger bento boxes crafted from luxurious leather and silk, blurring the line between high art and the everyday. The wheelbarrow stool? It’s not just fun to look at—it’s functional, too. And that stool with leather mushrooms? It’s like New York autumn captured in a single piece of furniture.
Crafting Community with Petite h, One Workshop at a Time
What makes Petit h so special isn’t just the jaw-dropping objects on display; it’s the way it invites people into the creative process. Hermès isn’t keeping its artistry behind closed doors—they’re opening up the experience to everyone. The Petit h exhibition isn’t just for looking—it’s for participating.
Visitors can jump right into the creativity at the workshop, crafting their own masks from leftover Hermès materials like leather and silk. And they’re getting a little help from some legendary New York creatives, too! Hermès teamed up with M&S Schmalberg Flowers, a family-owned business in NYC that’s been crafting artificial flowers since 1916. Pascal and Liz are the pros behind the floral shapes and petals. They lead the mask-making workshop in Paris. Artisans guide you through the process. You’ll walk away with a personalized creation, feeling like a true part of the Hermès story.
Sustainability Advisor and special consultant to the United Nations Thania Peck is a big fan of this hands-on approach. “It’s brilliant for Hermès to host workshops that invite everyone to engage with the creative process,” she says. “By offering these hands-on experiences, Hermès makes sustainability and craftsmanship accessible to all.”
Reimagining Dormant Materials into New Treasures
In a world where fast fashion is the norm, petit h stands out as the ultimate champion of upcycling. Their motto? “Nothing is lost, everything is transformed.” It’s not just about creating something beautiful. It’s about giving discarded materials a new life. This process turns unused items into timeless treasures. Above all, every piece is meant to last, creating a legacy that can be passed down through generations.
Climate activist Saad Amer says it best. “Upcycling is a powerful way for brands to contribute to positively to the environment. By creatively repurposing materials, Petit h is a brilliant example of how to foster community around sustainability. This approach sets an important precedent and example for other luxury brands to follow.”
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Petit h is more than just an exhibition—it’s a movement, and it’s traveling the world. With each stop, it builds a community of creators, inspiring people to rethink how they use everyday objects. Petit h offers unique upcycled bags and playful homeware. Sustainability doesn’t have to be boring. It can be fun, creative, and luxurious.
Diane Mahady, President, Hermès USA., summed it up perfectly. “This exhibition isn’t just a showcase of Hermès’ creativity—it’s an invitation to reimagine the possibilities.”
Creativity Meets Responsibility
Under the playful eye of Godefroy de Virieu, Petit h pushes design boundaries. They constantly experiment with new materials and ideas. Who would have thought you could create an electric guitar from a saddle tree? For de Virieu, sustainability is about both responsibility and freedom—celebrating the joy of turning discarded materials into something meaningful and beautiful.
Pia Lindsay, a sustainable luxury designer, praises this approach. She says "reimagining dormant materials creates more value. It weaves a beautiful story for people to connect with. Each piece becomes a conversation between its history and its new life. This makes the object even more special for its owners."
Every object tells a story. A carafe features Kelly bag handles. A jar has leather accents repurposed from a trunk.These pieces journey from forgotten to fabulous, embodying the playful, transformative spirit of petit h.
Get Hands-On with Hermès
The best part about petit h? It’s not just for show. Hermès encouraged us to roll up our sleeves and dive into the creative process. At the upcycling workshops, you’ll work with Hermès artisans. You can create your own one-of-a-kind pieces using unused materials. This experience breaks down barriers of traditional luxury. It makes the world of Hermès feel more accessible and fun. In addition, it also adds a personal touch.
These workshops aren’t just about creating something beautiful—they’re about connecting with the creative process and gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every piece.
Another exciting aspect is that the public can attend these workshops. Limited spaces are available, but you can reserve your spot here.
The Lasting Impact of petit h
When you step into the world of Petit h, whether in New York or Paris, you’re not just seeing luxury—you’re becoming part of a movement. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, upcycling, and the power of creativity to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
As Creative Director Godefroy de Virieu says, “If we have a style, it is a style of astonishment and the unexpected.” And that’s exactly what Petit h delivers—a sense of wonder and excitement, proving that every discarded fragment holds the potential for something truly magical.
When you venture through the Petit h experience, remember this: you’re not just admiring objects. You’re witnessing the art of transformation. You’re invited to reimagine the world around you. You can create something new and embrace the joy of giving life to lost items. This is the enduring magic of Petit h. True luxury lies not in possession, but in the process of creation.
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