More than just silk scarves: An immersive and whimsical Hermes experience
The Silky Way exhibition tells the stories behind the French brand’s famous carre designs
[SINGAPORE] Hermes’ silk scarves have long been associated with elegance and Parisian chic – even though some may be more familiar with the brand’s sought-after Birkin bags. Now, you can get a better insight into what the fuss over a scarf is all about at the luxury French label’s public exhibition at Marina Bay Sands.
An immersive showcase that is part film animation, part art exhibition and almost entirely whimsical, The Silky Way takes you on a journey via the varied designs on an Hermes’ scarf – or carre (“square” in French).
It is a nice escape, starting with a 20-minute short film that follows a woman’s fantastical adventures, beamed onto a dome roof in a darkened room as you recline in a plush seat.
Thereafter, explore the two gallery spaces displaying scarves which have been showcased in the film, along with an explanation of their designers’ inspiration. With new and returning contributors adding to the designs each season, there is a truly diverse range of (sometimes quirky) ideas and themes eventually hand-screen printed onto silks in Lyon, France.
A fun little activity is to head to the Carre Stories wall to pick out a few scarf descriptions and try to figure out which ones they are referring to. Some may be a little trickier than others.
There are also three interactive cabins for further design discoveries and a station where you can try putting on a scarf or two before taking a picture in a photo booth.
Although Hermes’ Birkin bags get a lot of attention – for the control over their access and high prices – its scarves have been a favourite with everyone from royalty to Hollywood stars since production began in 1937. The late Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, for instance, used her Hermes scarf as a sling when she injured her arm in the late 1950s.
Debuting in Singapore before heading elsewhere, the exhibition is recommended for those aged seven and above, and is definitely worth a visit.
The Silky Way is on till Nov 5 at the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza from noon to 8.30pm. Admission is free. Register at hermes.com
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