Hermes makes a show of its master craftsmen
Even Typhoon Nesat couldn't stop Hermes fans attending the opening of the brand's Festival des Metiers in Tsim Sha Tsui's Elements mall.
'We hesitated about whether we should cancel the opening, but I'm glad we stuck to the plan,' said Elsa Rameau, managing director of Hermes Asia.
Visitors can watch eight veteran craftsmen from Hermes workshops in France, to see how leather bags, silk prints, engravings and jewellery settings are made. The exhibition made its debut in Paris.
'Some of them have never left France until now, so it's quite a big trip for them,' Rameau said.
The evening attracted many Hermes VIPs. Most of the tai tais and gentlemen of leisure came out in Hermes gear, toting the signature Birkin in all the leathers and styles you could imagine.
Most of the craftsmen spoke only French and even though each had a translator, they were more engaged with the French-speaking visitors.
But for Hongkongers it was worth the visit for the behind-the-scenes experience which they would otherwise have had to fly to France for.
And what a smart marketing idea as well - the hefty price tags for the brand's wares suddenly make sense, knowing that even a shirt takes the work of a dozen people to complete.
The exhibition is free and open to the public until Wednesday.
