Inspiration through material
The Hermès Madison Avenue store, designed by RDAI, embodies a bold alliance between New York’s historical heritage and Hermès’ contemporary aesthetic. This vast store, covering nearly 2,000 square metres, is the result of the merger of three buildings, offering an immersive experience where craftsmanship, art and architectural innovation come together.
The 706 Madison Avenue project is based on the union of three distinct buildings: the former Bank of New York, built in 1921 in a Federal style, and two adjacent townhouses. RDAI orchestrated this merger of buildings while preserving their contrasting identities. Number 706, with its rigorous geometry and linear spaces, dialogues harmoniously with number 704, now characterised by organic curves and inverted arches. This complementarity creates a unique visual dynamic, where history and modernity intertwine.
A MODERN REINTERPRETATION OF ART DECO
The store’s interiors are inspired by New York and Parisian Art Deco, revisited with a resolutely contemporary approach. Noble materials – stucco, straw marquetry, crackled lacquer, leather – and carefully chosen colour palettes reinforce the Hermès identity. Neutral tones (ivory, beige) and vibrant accents (green, cognac) evolve from floor to floor, creating a sensory progression. Decorative details, such as floor mosaics and coffered ceilings, pay homage to the historic Faubourg Saint-Honoré store in Paris, while incorporating technical innovations.
The central staircase, inherited from the former bank and renovated with brass balusters, symbolises the transition between eras. A second staircase, monolithic and sculptural, appears to float thanks to a high-tech stone structure. These vertical pathways guide visitors through a series of salons with distinct atmospheres, from intimate spaces dedicated to jewellery to vast worlds devoted to leather goods and tableware.
SURPRISES ON EVERY FLOOR
At the top of the store, a hanging garden designed by landscape architect Miranda Brooks offers an unexpected breath of fresh air. Lit by a domed glass roof, this space features a bas-relief by François Houtin, evoking lush nature. The castiron cavalry soldier, inherited from the former Hermès store in New York, stands proudly, symbolising the link between Paris and the city that never sleeps.
This garden, accompanied by a bar and a “speak easy”, embodies the spirit of conviviality so dear to Hermès. In addition, RDAI designed this store as a showcase for Hermès’ 16 crafts. Every architectural detail – from the leather display cases to the brass counters – underscores Hermès’ commitment to quality and durability.
The Hermès Madison Avenue store is much more than a shop: it is a sensory journey where architecture, art and craftsmanship come together to create a unique experience. RDAI has succeeded in transforming a historic heritage site into a living space that reflects the DNA of Hermès – both timeless and resolutely forward-looking. •
Year: 2022
Address: New York, USA
Materials: Stucco, straw marquetry, crackled lacquer, leather, concrete/stone, brass, mosaic, wood, glass and cast iron
Artistic director: Denis Montel
Project interior architect: Sybil Debu
Interior architects: Mathieu Alfandary, Lola Chauvel, Ludovic Haehnsen, Jean-Baptiste Pilli, Barbara Stec, Florian Tenent, Johan Thuillot, Sébastien Vaddé
