Scarf weather: Levi van Veluw carves out an autumnal window display for Hermès
Until mid-November, those passing the Hermès boutique at 691 Madison Avenue will be treated to a host of wooden carvings of the label’s iconic 'Carrés' scarves. Created by contemporary Dutch artist Levi van Veluw as part of the French house’s ongoing artist display series Vitrine D’Artiste, the autumn windows celebrate the launch of the brand’s theme for this year: 'Nature at Full Gallop'.
This latest installment sees van Veluw explore the connection between order and chaos, while paying homage to the brand’s equestrian tradition and exquisite craftsmanship. Finely carved wooden grids, filigree, geometric shapes and wooden veneers come together to form intricately-crafted ‘worlds’ – three-dimensional interpretations of Hermès’ signature silk scarf. ‘The scarf is timeless and possesses many of the elements and themes I work with,’ says van Veluw. ‘It was logical to use these for inspiration. I created my own patterns and shapes to make very sophisticated layered windows.'
Upon closer inspection of the kaleidoscopic windows, Hermès’ trademark leather accessories – along with its newly-launched women’s fragrance, Galop d’Hermès – emerge among the designs. The harmony between artwork and product was precisely the intention behind the windows. ‘My ambition was to make artworks that fully integrate the products – they really had to be part of it. I approached the products as shapes and materials and transformed them into an abstract installation,’ says van Veluw, whose personal work often features a combination of grids and geometrical shapes – elements that are instantly recognisable in the Madison Avenue boutique’s window displays.
It's this shared vision and focus on craftsmanship that has seen the collaboration between the luxury house and the contemporary artist continue into its second iteration. Says van Veluw on how he thinks his work relates to the brand’s iconic imagery: ‘I think the Hermès aesthetic results in how they approach the products. They take their craft extremely seriously – everything has to be perfect.’
INFORMATION
Levi van Veluw’s windows will be on display until 19 November. For more information, visit the Hermès website
ADDRESS
Hermès
691 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10065
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
Paul Rudolph at The Met: ‘from Christmas lights to megastructures’
‘Materialized Space: The Architecture of Paul Rudolph’ opens at the Met in New York, exploring the modernist master's work through a feast of an exhibition
By Stephanie Murg Published
-
‘London: Lost Interiors’ gathers unseen imagery of some of the capital’s most spectacular homes
This new monograph is a fascinating foray into the interior life of London, charting changing tastes, emerging styles and the shifting social history of grand houses in the heart of a fast-changing city
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
Inside the making of Loewe Perfumes’ porcelain bottle toppers, delicately crafted by Lladró
Loewe Perfumes’ limited edition flask toppers are crafted by Spanish porcelain company Lladró. Mary Cleary takes a look inside the making process, as featured in the October 2024 issue of Wallpaper*
By Mary Cleary Published
-
The story behind Hermès’ ‘Barénia’, a perfume that took nearly ten years to make
Hermès’ ‘Barénia’ is the house’s first-ever chypre fragrance. Christine Nagel tells Wallpaper* why it was almost ten years in the making
By Hannah Tindle Published
-
Sourcewhere is the app helping you find the rarest fashion grails
Sourcewhere uses a network of experts and personal shoppers to source rare vintage and limited-edition fashion, from Phoebe Philo’s Céline to Margiela-era Hermès. Here, founder Erica Wright tells Wallpaper* why it’s reflecting a wider change in the way people shop luxury fashion
By Mary Cleary Published
-
Why solid soap is the most pleasurable object to bathe with
Solid soap provides a tactile bathing experience like no other. Hannah Tindle explores why in the September 2024 Style Issue of Wallpaper*, with soaps by Chanel, Celine, Diptyque, and more, photographed by Sophie Gladstone
By Hannah Tindle Published
-
The best sunscreens for your face, selected by the Wallpaper* beauty editors
This list of the best sunscreens for your face has been compiled by Wallpaper* editors Mary Cleary and Hannah Tindle, who are highly selective about SPF
By Mary Cleary Published
-
’What is the life of a woman?’: Nadège Vanhée on a decade of womenswear at Hermès
For the past ten years, Nadège Vanhée, head of womenswear at Hermès, has steered the French maison on a quietly rebellious path, exploring notions of contemplation, liberation and sensuality. Speaking to fashion features editor Jack Moss, she unpacks her evolution
By Jack Moss Published
-
Wallpaper* September 2024, The Style Issue, is on newsstands now: discover the looks of the season
Wallpaper* September 2024, The Style Issue, heralds sensual dressing for the season ahead. Hear from Dior’s Kim Jones, Hermès’ Nadège Vanhée, and tour Karl Lagerfeld’s bookshop
By Bill Prince Published
-
Kyoto exhibition collates Veronica Ditting’s influential printed matter for the world’s biggest brands
Creative director and designer Veronica Ditting has created printed matter for The Row, Hermès and Maison Margiela. Now, a new exhibition in Kyoto, ‘Folio Folio Folio: Print by Veronica Ditting’ celebrates her influential career so far
By Jack Moss Published
-
Hermès heads to New York for a one-off show capturing ‘the pace, energy and optimism’ of the city
Yesterday evening (7 June 2024) at New York’s Pier 36, Nadège Vanhee held ‘The Second Chapter’ of her A/W 2024 Hermès womenswear show with an energetic, colour-saturated collection inspired by her former home city
By Jack Moss Published