[Title] Alphabetic Equestrian
[Artist] House Industries
[Date] November 16, 2011 – January 17, 2012
Against the backdrop of brilliant Harlequin pattern fabric wallpaper, an “H” and a horse move in jocular motions. Gazing closer, it can be seen that the silhouette of the horse is comprised of the letters used to write “HERMÈS.”
Entrusted with this final Maison Hermès window display for 2011 is House Industries, the highly accomplished American design collective. Mobilizing the ability to create distinctive typography that stands as a strong forte of House Industries, the letters used to depict “HERMÈS” project elegant movements truly worthy of definition as artistic objects.
This gracefully refined lettering was inspired by the symbiotic lettering fully visible around the streets of Paris, with the professionals at House Industries striving hard to bring each separate element to life. Used to fashion the three-dimensional lockup in this creation is the pure and unprocessed wood of indigenous American cedar trees, emanating its distinctive reddish hue. This is the work of local craftsmen, who devoted countless hours to the intricate fashioning process. This exquisite woodcarving expertise, seizing full advantage of the richly expressive texture of the wood, stands out vividly against the geometrical Harlequin fabric patterns in the background. In this style, the accent is placed on rhythmical movement to conjure up images in the much-loved carousel tradition.
In the small window, the letters are housed individually, with products displayed to interact with the letters in a light and frolicking touch. At first glance, each letter appears to stand alone, as though reading the names of the products out loud is a sure way to reveal the essential linkage between the letters as a unit.
In the past, letters were drawn individually by hand in being brought to life much like paintings. The process of ushering these images into contact with our eyes through the medium of printed matter stands as craftwork in its full splendor. With this final window presented under the 2011 annual theme of “Contemporary Artisan,” visitors are invited to savor the highly unique collaboration between products and typography – two hand-fashioned domains that normally never cross paths.
House Industries
House Industries is known throughout the world for their eclectic typeface collections, elaborate design work and far-reaching exploits into products, textiles and furniture. Through a synthesis of original elements and carefully-curated collaborations, House Industries choreographs visually tactile experiences. Their work is defined by a timeless authenticity that is only achieved with rare aestheticism, fundamental skills and a genuine love for their subject matter.