Hermes has opened a new store in Doha, Qatar, at the Place Vendôme Qatar shopping center. The spacious new store of more than 600 m² draws on the unique topography of the region and its historical landmarks, offering a lively exploration of noble materials and craftsmanship in a contemporary expression of the Hermès architectural vocabulary. In a vast and majestic setting, the store promises a unique experience to discover the sixteen trades of the house.
The store, designed by Parisian architecture firm RDAI, benefits from an abundance of natural light streaming through the double-height windows that line the exterior walls. Brightness and lightness are enhanced by the sheen of marble and stone in cream and white, punctuated with shades of amber and earthy tones. Unique textured details reveal the gesture of the craftsman’s hand and further highlight the uniqueness of this new address. The sculptural undulating lines of the ceiling evoke the sand dunes of the nearby inland sea of Khor Al Udaid. Each space is delineated by unique hand-laid inserts in the terrazzo – inspired by the rock carvings of Al Jassasiya – either marble, mother-of-pearl or pearly shells of varying scales.
Located on the ground floor on the south side of the mall, the store’s facade, distinct for its hand-hewn travertine walls, recalls the wind-sculpted limestone rock formations at Ras Abrouq in the northwest of the country. The graphic surface stretches between the windows which present the latest Hermès collections. Visitors enter through double glazed doors into a vast space housing the world of feminine silk and fancy jewelry.
The architectural codes of the Parisian house stand out immediately: the marble mosaic emblematic of the Faubourg motif, the symmetry of the Greek molded lights above, and the ex-libris under the feet. On the right, a small alcove for the perfumery and beauty professions is furnished in neutral tones and warm touches.
The space dedicated to the silk collections serves as an axis for the rest of the store, which unfolds in three directions. On the left, the watchmaking and jewelery trades are arranged in two successive intimate salons and wrapped in leather paneling in a warm cognac hue. After the equestrian and men’s silk collections, the men’s universe houses both ready-to-wear and accessories. Awash in darker tones and green mineral undertones, the walls are decorated with a relief of lush foliage – meticulously hand painted to enhance the depth of color and form.
To the right of the entrance, a succession of pieces extends through the leather goods trade, passes through collections for the house, to arrive at the feminine universe. The latter is furnished in amber and honey tones, with hand-painted embossed wallpaper with palm motifs. Bespoke colorful rugs in layered geometric shapes enhance the structure and individuality of each space, while inviting lounges and furnishings encourage guests to feel at home. Elegantly dressed VIP lounges are attached to each universe for a tailor-made service.
From the universe of the house, steps lead to a private garden, an oasis in the city populated by lush local flora. Emerging from the bushes, a life-size sculpture of a blue horse by French artist Assan Smati, catches the eye. Inside, other unique works of art complete a selection of pieces from the Emile Hermès Collection and contribute to the boutique’s character. These include impressive earthenware vases by artist Julian Stair, a winged horse by sculptor Christian Renonciat and iconic and twisted works created by the late Tunisian designer Leïla Menchari for the shop windows at 24 Faubourg Saint Honoré in Paris.
To celebrate the opening of the store, the windows come to life with a work commissioned by the American artist duo CHIAZZA, Adam Frezza and Terri Chiao, who imagined “In the Tall Grass”, a surreal sculptural painted jungle. The store also offers a selection of exclusive items, such as a bespoke table football and a unique football, cast in Rouge H and Craie Swift leathers. The new Hermès boutique is operated in partnership with local brand Al Mana.
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