Hermès celebrates 100 years of Surrealism and Faubourg
Nathalie Schuck, head of the multidisciplinary design studio Piscina, visited Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré to celebrate both the 100th anniversary of the Hermès flagship store and the 100th anniversary of the publication of French poet Andre Breton’s Surrealist Manifesto. unveiled a series of window displays for Hermès’ flagship store at No. 24. Shook’s installation combines her signature Ledoux shelving system, rooted in neoclassical design, with playful figures inspired by the surrealist game Exquisite Corpse. With its clean lines and solid cherry wood construction, the Ledoux shelves recall the grand columns and harmonious forms of neoclassical architecture, reflecting the design language of Hermès’ Paris flagship store. Masu. At the same time, the abstract and surreal figures built on this foundation bring to life the spontaneity and unpredictability of Surrealism.
All images courtesy of Piscina
Detailed surrealist corpses inspire Piscina window displays
Named after the 18th century architect Claude Nicolas Ledoux, the Piscina shelf serves as a structure and canvas for imaginative, abstract shapes that reflect Hermès’ balance of tradition and innovation. The New York-based effort captures the brand’s ability to incorporate contemporary artistic expression while honoring tradition through this fusion. Inspired by the exquisite corpse games in which participants collaboratively create figures without knowing what others had drawn, the abstract characters bring a sense of whimsy and surprise, and inspired surrealism in the early 20th century. reflects the unconventional creativity championed by
Piscina principal Natalie Schuck created a series of window displays for the Hermès flagship store
Contrast between neoclassical architecture and dream-like forms
The fusion of neoclassical order and surrealist destruction creates a dialogue between two seemingly contrasting worlds. While the structured historical aesthetic of the shelves provides a foundational element, surreal figures disrupt it and explore the intersection of past and present. “Neoclassical architecture and Surrealism, although seemingly opposites, share a unique relationship,” says Schuk. “Both rely on tension and recontextualization. Neoclassicism is all about order and balance, while surrealism distorts and disrupts familiar forms in strange and unexpected ways. With the Hermès windows, we wanted to emphasize this interaction and create a visual journey that reflects the evolution of both art and design.”
Shook’s installation, on display through October, invites passersby into this artistic dialogue, offering insight into the evolution of art, design, and cultural history. By juxtaposing neoclassical architecture and dreamlike surrealist art forms, the exhibition celebrates a century of Hermès and pays homage to the transformative cultural currents that have shaped Paris.
Celebrating 100th anniversary of founding and 100th anniversary of surrealism declaration
Shook’s installation combines her signature Ledoux shelving system, which is rooted in neoclassical design.
The playful figures are inspired by the surrealist game Exquisite Corpse.
Ledoux Chervain, reminiscent of the grand columns and harmonious forms of neoclassical architecture
