Silk experience proves anything but smooth for graffiti artist Kongo

Naysayers may say that Hermes opted for just another trend-driven collaboration by lining up a graffiti artist to reinterpret its signature silk printed scarf. But according to the artist, it was harder than tackling his usual choice of canvas - a wall.

The centrepiece of Hermes' autumn-winter preview last week at The Space gallery was a monogram scarf created by veteran graffiti artist Kongo. He flew in from Paris for the event and sprayed his tag on a wall of Hermes boxes, which were then autographed and given to guests.

'We had to use three or even more layers of colour to create the same kind of shading you expect from graffiti,' Kongo said. 'It was actually a lot of work in the studio with the colourist to figure it out.'

But the street artist enjoyed the experience. 'I was told to do whatever I wanted with the design and I really appreciate the freedom.'

What also struck him was the commitment of the craftsmen he worked with. 'They are very true to themselves. They are real artisans.'