In the field of traditional craftsmanship, Hermes has always adhered to its exceptional quality and self-identity. As early as 1867, with its superior craftsmanship, Hermes won a first-class honor award at the Universal Exposition held in Paris. Subsequently, from the third generation of the family’s heir, Emile-Maurice Hermès, deciding not to replace the craftsman’s pure handwork with mass production by contemporary machines, the brand’s development path and determination were fully established.

Mr. Emile was also the first to use zippers in handbag production, transforming the more refined zipper teeth into bags. The birth of the Hermes Torpedo handbag marked a milestone innovation that brought change to the entire industry.

And the spirit of the designers and craftsmen at that time, after a century, has been passed on to later generations. Today’s artisans have added the shadows of exploring tradition and chasing dreams for the future to every piece of Hermès work.

【In 1912, Hermes’ first watch, the Porte Oignon, was actually a cleverly designed pocket watch cover, inspired by equestrianism. It could be worn on the wrist and used to check the time at any moment while riding.】

【In 2019, the same leather goods production, Hermès storage box, with modern design techniques combined with traditional leather inlay craftsmanship. The charm of materials is created in each object.】

The craftsmen in my impression are quiet, focused, and serious, even treating each piece with a pilgrim-like devotion. There are over 4,500 craftsmen under the brand Hermès, an astonishing number.

The craftsmen of Hermès are masters of craftsmanship as well as storytellers, who, in the context of modernity, adhere to the essence of tradition and tell the stories of objects with their own emotional resonance and insights.

Hermès, with a posture of wisdom, its craftsmen, with a spirit of love, combine traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Since 1837, they have upheld the expensive and meticulous tradition of handcrafting, creating contemporary aesthetic and intelligent objects that explore the infinite possibilities of modernity and tradition, confrontation and fusion.

Craftsmanship is in the heart, craftsmanship is in Xiamen, and the works of Hermès hide the worldview of both creators and owners. This time, we can all witness and hear the stories of the craftsmen and the artworks of Hermès at the Hermès Atelier.

Regarding leather goods production, the stitching techniques and superior materials of Hermès have always been a timeless classic that has stood the test of time for a century. The unsewn pieces of leather on the workbench are like a “leather bag” jigsaw puzzle that the leather craftsman must solve and sew together. The first step for the leather craftsman is to cut a long piece of linen thread and soak it in beeswax. Then, he or she threads a needle through each end of the linen thread to begin stitching. The movements are as light and precise as carefully choreographed ballet, while the arms swing with the commanding presence of a symphony conductor. The leather craftsman’s legs tightly hold the wooden sewing clamp, securing the pieces of leather that need to be sewn together. Using their thumb and index finger, they pinch the diamond-shaped cone to pierce through the leather, then guide the needle through the two layers of leather. The cross-stitch method used for saddle stitching ensures that the bags are durable and long-lasting.

After being hammered, the stitches are no longer at risk of wear and tear. Finally, polishing is required to achieve a smooth satin-like protective edge, thereby achieving waterproofing.

If you want to learn about other craftsmen and their extraordinary craftsmanship, you might consider visiting Xiamen to exchange ideas with them and feel the power and elegance of this passion.

The collision and encounter of French craftsmanship and Chinese culture, the vitality and emotional landscapes of Hermès, and the creation of contemporary art values can all be explored in these craftsmen who create art and dreams.