Exhibition To See: Hermès Heritage “In Motion” At Qatar

by Alexandra Mansilla

Exhibition To See: Hermès Heritage “In Motion” At the National Museum Of Qatar

17 Oct 2024

From October 16 to November 9, the National Museum of Qatar in Doha will host the exhibition "In Motion" — the third chapter of the Hermès Heritage series. And one thing we know for sure: it is definitely worth a visit — not just for fashion lovers, but for everyone.

Before diving into the exhibition itself, let’s answer a question for those who might not be familiar: What exactly is Hermès Heritage? It is a travelling series of exhibitions showcasing objects from the Émile Hermès collection, Hermès archives, and contemporary collections.

And "In Motion," as we mentioned earlier, is the third chapter in this series. The first exhibition was “Harnessing the Roots,” which offered insights into Hermès' equestrian beginnings, capturing the essence of their signature elegance. The second was “Rouges Hermès,” celebrating the rich history of the French fashion house and, specifically, its affinity for the colour crimson. The fourth chapter, “Once Upon a Bag,” will focus on — you guessed it — the iconic Hermès bag, with its deep connections to the brand’s equestrian roots and craftsmanship.

“In Motion” is all about travel, movement, and the brand’s journey that started way back in the 19th century with saddlery and harness-making. It embodies the "roaming mood" celebrated by Charles Baudelaire in 1857.

The exhibition’s curator, Bruno Gaudichon, described it in an interview with Architectural Digest in 2022 when the exhibition was presented at Mumbai's IF.BE Gallery: “The idea of movement is at the origin of the maison. It is the foundation of Hermès’ raison d’être and evolution.”

Every piece in the exhibition proves that Hermès has always been about motion — from its founding days until today. Motion as a synonym for growth; motion as depicted in their designs, or motion as what their creations were made for.

Bolide Picnic bag, spring-summer 2016; Postilion's boots, 19th century, Emile Hermès Collection; Jeu des omnibus et dames blanches scarf, silk twill.

For example, the exhibition opens with Jeu des Omnibus et Dames Blanches — the first scarf designed by the house in 1937, evoking the spirit of the first public transport in Paris, which began in the 1820s. You will also see the seven-league boots of an anonymous postilion rider, crafted to protect stagecoach drivers' legs. Also, the Bolide picnic bag, which came about during the early days of the motor car, was one of the first travel bags Émile Hermès equipped with a zip fastening for ease of use.

Carré H watch, strap in Barénia calfskin inspired by driving gloves; Goat carriage, circa 1890, Emile Hermès Collection; Le Flâneur d'Hermès bicycle.

"In Motion" seamlessly blends the past and present, showcasing the remarkable work Hermès has done and continues to do. At the heart of Hermès is this idea of endless motion, and it comes to life throughout the exhibition.

That link between past and present Bruno Gaudichon described in the same interview with Architectural Digest: “The choice of the exhibition journey, objects and images allow for this narrative, from the spectacular postilion boots in the Emile Hermès Museum to the Flâneur bicycle, from the iconography of the aviator illustrating the company's 1926 catalogue to the successive photographs of the biker outfits created by Hermès over the past 50 years. This link between past and present is very important to show how Hermès has always thrived to accompany its customers in their daily lives, and therefore, Hermès objects have been created to respond to new ways of living.”

Missing out on the coolest events in Dubai? We know where you’ll be in November: The Crowd Test Festival — the very first Art and Music Festival by The Sandy Times.

The lineup is incredible: Mainline Magic Orchestra from Spain, Eden Burns from New Zealand, and a lot of your favourite DJs like Hani J, Hassan Alwan, Bazzzuk, and more.

Mark your calendar, snag your tickets, and get ready: November 16, 2024, from 5 PM to 3 AM at Monkey Bar, Dubai.

by Alexandra Mansilla

Exhibition To See: Hermès Heritage “In Motion” At the National Museum Of Qatar

17 Oct 2024

Tickets are available here

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