We want jewelry that is unique and different from what you see on Place Vendôme."
That was all Jean-Louis Dumas, the fifth generation head of HERMÈS, had to say when he entrusted Pierre Hardy with the artistic direction of the jewelry collection.
The Place Vendôme in Paris is an area where the five major jewelers (Grand Cinq) gather. Although Mr. Aldi was well known in the fashion world, jewelry was new territory for him. Mr. Dumas, instead of competing head-on with tradition, challenged him to explore a third path. This also applies to his new creations.
The best example is the "torsade," which is based on a rope motif. The lively undulations are breathtakingly beautiful.
The "Clous de Forge," which appears as a new creation along with the "Torsade," is also hard to ignore. Inspired by a horseshoe nail, the ring has an aura reminiscent of contemporary art.
The "Chêne d'Angkle Punk" bracelet has already been in existence for five years. The third generation of the brand's founder, Robert Dumas, created the "Chêne d'Angkle," inspired by a ship's anchor, and sprinkled with homage to the punk movement. Punk is expressed in the safety-pin motif of the chain that adorns the key points of the bracelet.
The intricate silhouette symbolized by the "torsade" reflects the sensibility of Mr. Aldi, who has a deep knowledge of dance and art. The fact that he was able to create this piece without any deviation is a result of the high ductility (the limit of flexible deformation) of the pure 925 material.
No other house can match Hermès in terms of classic and modern craftsmanship, but Mr. Aldi has played a major role with aplomb and shows no signs of slowing down. This year marks Mr. Aldi's 21st year in this position.
The "Torsade" bracelet with a rope motif is a staple of the Hermès line. This is a new item from the 2022 Spring/Summer collection. 437,800 yen (estimate)
This is the new version of the "Chaine Dunkle Punk" bracelet that was introduced in 2017. It is composed of unequal pieces of different sizes in the motif of a safety pin. 157,300 yen (estimate)
The ring "Clous de Forge," inspired by a horseshoe nail of a harness, has a simple yet striking form. It is also new for the 2022 Spring/Summer season. 130,900 yen (estimate)
Photo_Hiroyuki Takashima
Text_Kei Takegawa
