On the wings of Hermès IN SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA

 

From July 15 to 23, 2023, Hermès presents On the wings of Hermès at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. This unique event, described by the French fashion house as a poetic and cinematic performance, transports attendees into a dreamy and mythical universe inspired by the fable of Pegasus. Created by director Jaco van Dormael, choreographer Michèle Anne de Mey, and the Astragales dance company, the otherworldly performance blends singing Birkin bags, dancing gloves, flying animals, and cinematic scenes in a seven-part play. 

Hermès' cinematic performance in santa monica features birkin bags as singing puppets
the performance transports attendees into a mythical universe inspired by the fable of pegasus | all images courtesy of Hermès

 

 

A CINEMATIC PERFORMANCE AS aN ode to daydreaming

 

Set within a grand and dimly lit space reminiscent of a film studio, On the wings of Hermès presents a series of seven sketches that depict the fable of Pegasus, the mythical winged horse, and his seven foals. Each segment of the performance is accompanied by its own distinct backdrop. In this imaginative realm, Hermès objects come to life, adding an enchanting element to the narrative. Guests will witness opera-singing Birkin bags, dancing gloves, and a captivating scene where lovers are carried away into the sky by the wind. This production, previously showcased in Japan, France, and Taiwan, serves as an invitation to let your imagination take flight; an ode to daydreaming.

 

‘This work metaphorically illustrates the lightness that is omnipresent at Hermès: in the delicate hands of our craftsmen sewing with two needle at once; in the elegance of materials, and in the subtle notes of a perfume. It is an experience which sparks the imagination, designed by artisans of dreams,’ says Pierre-Alexis Dumas, Hermès Artistic Director. For a glimpse of the whimsical performance, you can watch the teaser video, here. 

Hermès' cinematic performance in santa monica features birkin bags as singing puppets
the show is set within a grand and dimly lit space reminiscent of a film studio

Hermès' cinematic performance in santa monica features birkin bags as singing puppets
On the wings of Hermès features a chorus of opera-singing Birkin bags

Hermès' cinematic performance in santa monica features birkin bags as singing puppets
the show also includes a scene where lovers are carried away into the sky 

Hermès' cinematic performance in santa monica features birkin bags as singing puppets
Hermès describes the show as an invitation to let your imagination take flight

Hermès' cinematic performance in santa monica features birkin bags as singing puppets
the play is filled with expressive dance performances and intricate hand choreography

Hermès' cinematic performance in santa monica features birkin bags as singing puppets
dancing gloves, flying animals, and cinematic scenes blend in a seven-part play

Hermès' cinematic performance in santa monica features birkin bags as singing puppets
each segment of the performance is accompanied by its own distinct backdrop

Hermès' cinematic performance in santa monica features birkin bags as singing puppets  

 

project info: 

 

name: On the Wings of Hermès
brand: Hermès | @hermes
director: Jaco van Dormael
choreographer: Michèle Anne de Mey and the Astragales dance company
location: The Barker Hangar, Santa Monica
dates: 15 – 23 July, 2023