Luxury brand Hermès’ new flagship store can be found in the brick Federalist-style and former Bank of New York (founded by figures such as Hamilton and Vanderbilt) building at 706 Madison Avenue in New York City. Unlike most bespoke stores on Madison Avenue, this is more than a building selling luxury goods. Instead, it feels like an exquisite home, showcasing (Hermès) heritage, art, and artisan collections.
We were greeted at the entrance by Gary who was to be our gracious host as we explored this new creation. He started on the main floor where, reflecting the 1837 beginnings of Paris harness maker, Thierry Hermès, hangs a painting of a horse and rider (there are a total of 123 pieces of art belonging to the Hermès family throughout the store). Nearby, beautiful saddles, harnesses and other equestrian pieces are for sale. Thierry Hermès rose to success because his harnesses embodied style, lightness and endurance in all conditions. Six generations later, the Hermès family is still focused on craftsmanship and customer needs and desires.
We were given a glass of champagne and lead over to the Innovation Wall which is made up of wooden rails that can be brought down one at time to form any size shelf. The idea is if you can dream it, it can be designed. During our visit, items on the Innovation Wall included a skateboard and roller skates both with patterns matching the owner’s Hermès scarf.
Hermès Golden Rules
The Hermès family has three golden rules for its creations and business and you can feel and see these in every section and item of the store:
- Don’t work against nature. Work with the nature of the materials.
- Make objects that have a purpose. Passed down generation to generation in the family is the saying “May the horse (customer) be happy.”
- Have true empathy. Don’t underestimate what an object or architecture will do to your mind and to your senses.
These rules help explain what you feel, see and experience as you discover the various treasures throughout the 20,250 square feet flagship store starting with the Portuguese marble staircase. On the second floor we found gorgeous furniture, housewares and menswear. While it was tempting to linger, we headed up to the third floor with the fine jewelry and women’s ready-to-wear. But – most importantly, this floor is where we found the shoes and champagne bar (dangerous). Finally, on the fourth floor, there are handbags and rare specialty bags (on display only) as well as the outdoor garden area.
Inspirations and Gene Kelly
This year is the 70th anniversary of “Singing in the Rain.” The film has been rejuvenated by Warner Bros and his widow Patricia Kelly who is airing a series Gene Kelly et moi sharing memories and recordings of the two of them during the cocktail hour. To celebrate this and the opening of 706 Madison, Hermès released, the Hommage A Gene Kelly scarves with “Hermès Madison 706” and a rare Bleu Kelly bag.
Madison 706 in silk
Other Items Created for the Opening of 706 Madison
For the opening of this store, there were eleven one-of-a-kind creations and collaborations. Many are pictured in this article. Other items created for the 706 Madison Avenue opening include:
- Store-Only lipstick in Rouge Grenade
- Men’s H08 watch with the numbers 706 in New York taxicab yellow
- Taxi Bolide
- Jukebox
- Bicycle with 706 Madison on frame
Hermès at 706 Madison is a union of New York dynamism and Parisian elegance. It is a mix of luxury store, museum and graceful home. You can visit many times and each time be inspired by a different piece of art or architectural detail all the while sipping champagne and shopping for a beautiful addition to your home, person or horse. The Hermès new flagship store is a must see (and buy…) on your next visit to NYC!
