Hermes has opened a new exhibition in Dubai that introduces visitors to the colourful, creative and delightfully quirky world of its famous silk scarves.
Fresh from stints in New York, Paris, Milan and Singapore, the French luxury house's touring exhibition is now in the UAE, reimagined to allow visitors to explore the artistry and know-how behind each scarf.
Happening at Concrete in Alserkal Avenue, the show is an entirely interactive journey. Visitors can hear spoken tales about the scarves, courtesy of the vintage dial phones set up in booths, or visit the Carre Knot and learn the many ways to tie a scarf. There's also the option to create a name for one of the hundreds of colours that Hermes uses.
Elsewhere, you can see hand sketch drawings by some of the artists who have created scarf designs for Hermes, including Japanese artist Daiske Nomura, who blends house motifs with manga and anime.
The central space of the gallery is filled with a huge drawing machine – the brainchild of artists Octave Marsai and Theo de Guelzi – that feeds paper through on a continuous loop, on to which the pair draw with charcoal.
Continuing outside, across a floor covered with mock silk scarves, there is a mini skateboard ramp, decorated in the same way, and a cafe populated with bean bags and comfy chairs, while Carre OK lets visitors sing along to music. And of course, there are Carre Mania pop-up stores for those wanting to purchase a scarf (or three).
Fun, lighthearted and utterly charming, this is an exhibition that perfectly captures the playful soul of Hermes. Never a house to take itself too seriously, this Carre Club installation offers a unique glimpse into its creative and unique world.
Concrete, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai. Entrance is free. Open daily, 12pm-10pm, until Wednesday, January 20.
