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2016 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT
HERMÈS INTERNATIONAL
20
OVERVIEW OF THE GROUP
1
ACTIVITY BY SECTOR
Thanks to itswatchmanufacturingworkshop in Switzerland, Hermès now
manufactures the vast majority of itswatches and components in-house.
Its expertise enables Hermès to express more than ever a fresh voice
in the watch industry: a unique relationship with time, playing with it but
without seeking to control it. It does this while asserting a unique style
specific to the house which is invigorated by the other sectors.
1.3.8
OTHER PRODUCTS AND BRANDS
1.3.8.1
Cristallerie Saint-Louis
In 2016, cristallerie Saint-Louis confirmed its strong identity, charac-
terised by an audacious, precise size, deep shades, extreme finesse
of design and materials. Thanks to a new kiln, the year was particularly
colourful.
In decoration, the
Les Endiablés
collection does away with convention. In
a surprising combination of colours and gobs, different objects (vases,
goblets, candlesticks) in varying sizes suitable for all occasions can be
used either way up, depending on the mood of the user.
In lighting, the adjustable
Arlequin
chandeliers are available in three
new combinations of colour, intended as shades from the same palette:
a brilliant blue, an enchanting amethyst and violet, and an enigmatic
black and satin crystal. An exceptional piece, a daring, 18-light cande-
labra in chartreuse/amethyst/flannel grey, was unveiled in April at the
International Furniture Fair in Milan.
The
Royal
lighting range, characterised by its exceptional options for per-
sonalisation (over 15,000 different combinations of sizes, decors and
shades), enhances its modularity even further by offering short versions
for interiors with lower ceilings.
This exclusive service comes with an Ipad® app which makes it easier
for the customer to take control of their bespoke project, by simulating
– in augmented reality – the integration of the chandelier into a photo
of their interior.
Colour was also a key feature of the points of sale. A special “pop-up”
effect display windowwith a completely white backdrop, the only contrast
being provided by the colours of the chandeliers, tableware and orna-
ments, was installed in the Paris store on rue Royale, from April to
September. It is to be adapted in over ten stores all over the world.
The travelling “four seasons” exhibition which brings together exceptio-
nal pieces, heritage pieces and permanent collections, began its journey
in 2016.
New internationalstorescontinuedtoopenthroughout2016.InAsiawith
the opening of a pop-up store in ChinaWorld, Beijing, and in-store spaces
in three Lane Crawford stores in Hong Kong, and Shinsegae in Seoul.
New showrooms opened in several stores: Million Lightings in Singapore,
Toyo Kitchen in Nagoya and Osaka. In Beirut, Lebanon, a 100 m
2
store
opened in November. In Europe, the collections can now be found in
three major German department stores (KDV in Berlin, Oberpollinger in
Munich and Breuninger in Stuttgart) while an in-store space has opened
in the Mandarin Plaza Mall in Kiev.
1.3.8.2
Puiforcat
In 2016, Puiforcat used its creativity to highlight “the art of taste”, rolling
out its new wine tasting collection,
Puiforcat Orfèvre-Sommelier
. This
line, which breaks with tradition thanks to its glass without a stem, was
designed in partnership with the Italian sommelier Enrico Bernardo. It
was used to support the launch, featuring heavily in a series of dinners
and tastings for the international press, for partners of the house and
for some favoured customers, in Paris then Japan, China, Singapore and
the USA.
The
Puiforcat Orfèvre-Sommelier
collection also features in the
La Table
by Orient Express
pop-up restaurant installed in the original carriages of
the famous blue train. For several weeks, customers visiting this excep-
tional space, which stopped at Paris, Bordeaux and Cannes, tasted the
creations of the chef, Yannick Alléno, served at tables fully dressed by
Puiforcat.
The house also continued to strengthen its commitment to the yachting
sector by participating in various events such as theMonaco Yacht Show
and the International Boat Show at Fort Lauderdale. All of these occa-
sions provided opportunities to showcase the collections, in particular
the unique tasting experience provided by a metal champagne cup.
At the same time, Puiforcat continued to optimise its production division
via a range of industrial tool strategies, production and logistics pro-
cesses, to maintain the quality upon which its reputation is built.
At the end of the year, design fans in New York enjoyed a preview of the
Bureau d’Architecte
collection of office accessories, designed by archi-
tect Joseph Dirand, and unveiled at the salon Art + Design at the Armory
Show, in the heart of Manhattan.
1.3.8.3
Bootmaker John Lobb
Driven by Paula Gerbase, his artistic director, John Lobb’s dynamic crea-
tivity is reflected in a sustained level of activity and a reasoned develop-
ment of the offering, to focus efforts on both permanent and seasonal
collections, while preserving the hand-crafted quality of his creations.
Several new pieces received a particularly warm welcome, such as the
summer suede calfskin brogue with a non-lined upper, the Oxford made
from a single piece of leather, the relaxed-style sneakers, and the range
of stitched models known as storm welt with rubber soles.
In response to the permanent pursuit of comfort, the UK workshop in
Northampton has developed an innovative Tensile construction, which
gives a selection of Goodyear designs increased suppleness, as shown
by the padded motif on the inside sole.
By Request orders were once again popular among customers seeking
specially personalised products.