Hermès’s new store in Nagoya: Its appeal goes beyond just its size. Discover the love for Japanese culture that fills its four floors.

The hottest new attraction in the Tokai region right now is "The Landmark Nagoya Sakae." This massive mixed-use complex, standing approximately 211 meters tall, opened on June 11. The building houses retail spaces, a multiplex cinema, offices, and a hotel all under one roof.

HERMÈS has opened a store in that shopping complex, "Haera."

This is the second-largest Hermès store in Japan. Spanning from the basement to the third floor, it offers a selection of products from the 16 métiers (crafts) that the house is renowned for.

Broadly speaking, the store is organized as follows: the men’s floor is on the B1 level, the floor featuring silk products, leather goods, and beauty items is on the first floor, the women’s floor is on the second floor, and the floor featuring equestrian goods and home collections is on the third floor.

In addition to the merchandise on each floor, another highlight is the interior design, which draws inspiration from Japan’s traditional textile culture—including Nagoya Yuzen, a style that originated and flourished in this region. Motifs such as sashiko, tatami, and shibori dyeing are incorporated throughout each floor.

The design was brought to life by RDAI, a Paris-based architectural firm responsible for Hermès’ store design. The firm’s careful attention to local history is a key part of the store’s appeal.

And one of the key elements that shapes a store’s impression is its façade. If you look closely, you can see something resembling a string extending from the store’s ceiling.

Actually, this is made of cotton rope, and there are about 1,000 strands neatly arranged. Each strand is handmade to a different length, and it is said to depict two horses galloping.

Four window displays have been set up both inside and outside the store. The opening exhibition features the work “My breath is where the world begins” by artist Moena Suda. The piece is said to be a three-dimensional representation of the “journey of life” that begins with a breath and expands outward into the world.

In addition, works selected from the “Emile Hermès Collection” and the “Hermès Contemporary Photography Collection” will adorn the store.

If you live nearby, be sure to stop by our new store—it’s full of wonderful things. An experience that goes beyond just browsing the products awaits you there.

Photo © Nacása & Partners Inc.