Hermès opens its private doors to the public – in a manner of speaking. The storied French house brought its world-renowed artisans into three stores of its Parisian stores last week in order to showcase the expertise and painstaking effort that goes into producing each of its goods. Take a look:

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welcome to Hermès Saint Germain.

a gilder works on crystal goblets.

before- and mid- process.

and the exquisitely finished product.

another craftswoman paints porcelain dishes.

tools of the trade

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the painted plate, step 1

step 2

step 3

step 4

step 5

step 6

and voilà!

on to the watchmaker's stand.

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The finale: Hermès watches, waiting to be purchased.

the jewelry maker!

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a specialist's tools.

the completed object.

next stop: leatherwork.

the leatherworker's station.

a pile of hides to choose from

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yarns of all colors to complement the rainbow of bags Hermès makes.

the beginnings of a celebrated Hermès bag.

the new rue de Sèvres boutique in the Saint Germain neighborhood of Paris, where I visited the F Festival des Métiers.

what does this floor look like? yes, the boutique was a municipal swimming pool before Hermès took it over!

more evidence of the store's earlier days. but Hermès has made it work nicely.

the sweet little florist at the entrance of the shop.

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Bonne weekend tout le monde! (Or, have a great weekend everyone!)
À bientôt,
k.
The exhibit is so awesome! Also, love your sandals. :) Thanks for sharing, K!