One of the turning points in the history of was the application of saddlery techniques to the creation of bags and leather goods. It all began in the first half of the 20th century, at a time when women were increasingly entering the workforce in Paris.
This was the idea of Émile Hermès III, who saw a way forward in something new.
For Hermès at that time, it was something of an adventure, and without Émile’s foresight, none of the wallets or card cases on display here would exist.
The wallet, called “Calvi,” is made by folding a single piece of leather like origami. The Duo Compact is about the size of the palm of your hand, yet it features two interior pockets for cards, bills, and coins.
WALLET “CALVI” DUO COMPACT “COLLINES ITALIENNES”
¥148,500
The interior features card pockets and a pocket with a snap closure.
This season, we’ve featured “Colline Italiane” (Italian Hills), a piece depicting a hilly landscape. The print extends not only to the exterior but also to the inside, all the way to the folded edge of the leather. Only the owner has the privilege of seeing the artwork in its entirety.
On one of the card cases, each slash pocket forms a wave, with a single fish leaping within it.
CARD CASE
¥178,200
Actually, this fish isn’t printed—it’s created by gluing together small pieces of cut leather. It’s a technique called marquetry, and it’s amazing because it’s so intricately crafted that you can’t even see the seams up close. It’s surprising to learn that even the fish’s eyes are made from individual pieces; this piece truly showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of *Hermès*, a brand renowned for its expertise in working with leather.
Instead of a fish print, I inserted a piece of cut-out leather.
This season’s Hermès collection features numerous motifs related to travel and the sea. Looking deeper into the background, we discover this year’s annual theme: “The Call of Adventure.”
"Creating is our response to a calling," says Pierre-Alexis Dumas, the artistic director currently at the helm of the Maison.
Looking back on the history of , there were times when the brand embarked on adventures akin to setting sail across the open seas. As we now take a fresh look at the Maison’s origins, what lies ahead may well be a voyage toward a new era.
Photo_Hiroyuki Takashima
