Hermès showcases at Watches and Wonders event
Hermès Horloger Collaborates with Sarah-Anaïs Desbenoit at Watches and Wonders
In the world of Hermès, time is not a simple linear measure; it frees itself from usual constraints and opens up to fantasy. This year, Hermès Horloger has partnered with contemporary artist Sarah-Anaïs Desbenoit to create a unique artistic exploration of time at Watches and Wonders.
The collaboration between Hermès Horloger and Desbenoit represents a departure from the ordinary. Desbenoit's scenography transforms the exhibition space into a sensory and visual experience, inviting attendees to reflect on the passage of time through art, light, sound, and spatial design.
At Watches and Wonders, the watches are not merely displayed objects; they serve as anchors, structuring the perception of time within the space. One such example is the new Slim d'Hermès Cheval brossé watch, which features an artistic interpretation of a horse sweeping across the dial.
Desbenoit finds the watch mechanism to be a captivating object, sharing the same beauty and precision, but also carrying a universal language: that of time. She draws inspiration from mechanical objects, such as engines and electrical circuits, for her artistic exploration of time at Watches and Wonders.
The space Desbenoit designed functions as a clock at the scale of the body, with each stop revealing a watch from the Hermès collection. The longer a spectator lingers in the space, the more details emerge, prolonging the sensation of suspended time.
Sound plays a crucial role in Desbenoit's design, with a composition by Julien Perez punctuating the pauses, transforming the ticking of a watch into a meditative breath. Sarah-Anaïs Desbenoit's scenography encourages visitors to pause and take in their surroundings more mindfully.
This innovative approach elevates the traditional watch display to an emotional journey, connecting the technical precision of Hermès watches with themes of memory, nature, and the ephemeral. The collaboration between Hermès Horloger and Sarah-Anaïs Desbenoit at Watches and Wonders exemplifies how Hermès enriches the storytelling of its collections by partnering with contemporary artists.
Three new versions of the Arceau L'heure de la lune watch, first unveiled in 2019, have also been released by Hermès Horloger. The new deep blue Arceau Petite lune watch features diamonds set into a gem-set steel case, adding a touch of luxury to the already elegant design.
Overall, this collaboration represents a multi-dimensional celebration of time at Watches and Wonders, blending haute horlogerie with immersive scenography. It highlights Hermès’ commitment to craftsmanship and creativity by integrating Desbenoit’s artistic vision—often characterized by poetic, narrative-driven installations—into the presentation of Hermès timepieces.
- The collaboration between Hermès Horloger and contemporary artist Sarah-Anaïs Desbenoit at Watches and Wonders extends beyond the realm of haute horlogerie, delving into fashion-and-beauty with Desbenoit's scenography transforming the exhibition space into a visually impressive and sensory experience.
- In this multidimensional celebration of time, Sarah-Anaïs Desbenoit's design draws inspiration not only from mechanical objects but also from technology, reflecting the integration of these elements into her art and the future of Hermès' lifestyle collection.
