A silk scarf designed by Philippe Dumas, a handbag carried by Grace Kelly and the invention of leather with a signature hue- the newest Hermès métier takes its inspiration from iconic moments in silk and leather from the design house’s history.
This month sees the house of Hermès launch a new métier- Hermès Beauty, the brand’s first foray into cosmetics in its 183 year history.
“We approach beauty in these terms: to show what is there, revealing it to its best advantage,” says Hermès Artistic Director, Pierre-Alexis Dumas. “The idea is one of benevolent artifice, which is not used to deceive, but to elevate.”
Rouge Hermès is the the founding manifesto of Hermès Beauty, a collection of 24 signature lipsticks, three limited edition lip colours and a series of accompanying objects- a lip care balm, pencil, a gloss-finish lip enhancer and leather accessories.
Rouge Hermès takes its inspiration from the Hermès archives, each hue influenced by a leather or silk accessory and each object designed to elicit an emotional response from she or he who uses it. “I like the relationship a woman cultivates with herself when she applies makeup,” Jérôme Touron, Creative Director for Hermès Beauty explains. “Her relationship with time changes instantly, whatever the place or the moment. Like a pause for breath, an instant of self-care, I see this beauty ritual as an essential gesture. Simple, meticulous, everyday and precious.”
Akin to the different finishes of Hermès leather, the core collection of 24 colours takes shape across both matte and satin finishes on the lips. The finishes dictate the shape of the bullet- a rounded stick to invite generous application of the satin shades, and a pointed stick for defined and precise matte colour application. The pigments are rich and concentrated, ensuring the coverage on the lips honours the colour of the bullet. Where the hues are inspired by leather and silk, so too is the formula- white mulberry extract, traditionally found within silk, lives within each lip colour. The Rouge Hermès collection is lightly scented with sandalwood, arnica and angelica- a fragrance developed by Hermès Fragrance Director Christine Nagel [read our interview with Christine Nagel here].
Respect for both the skin and the environment sit at the core of Rouge Hermès, with the house committed to living as “artisans of sustainable development.” The signature orange boxes in which Rouge Hermès is found is made from recycled cardboard, Rouge Hermès itself is a recyclable object- each tube is refillable, a service offered in Hermès boutiques.
A capsule collection of three limited edition lipsticks joins the aforementioned signature line, with shades of Rose, Violet and Coral available for the Northern Hemisphere’s Spring/Summer season.
At $94AUD each, an Hermès lipstick does not come cheap. However, for those who wish to invest, consider this a piece of beauty history- the first chapter of Hermès Beauty.
Further iterations of Hermès Beauty are to follow, reportedly every six months, until a complete Hermes skin and colour cosmetics portfolio has been developed.
Rouge Hermes is available in Hermes boutiques, selected David Jones stores and online now.
Photography and styling: Gemma Watts
Products have been supplied to media without any obligation to review and all opinions are the author’s own.
