On April 2, the French luxury maison Hermès opened a new store in the Sanlitun district of Beijing, China. This marks the brand’s fourth location in the city since its entry in 1997. The space is conceived as an immersive environment where visitors can experience the house’s sixteen métiers.
The store is housed in a five-story standalone glass structure. Its exterior is clad in ceramic tiles in shades of rose and terracotta, and was realized through a collaboration between the Paris-based architecture agency RDAI and Mamou-Mani Architects.
The façade features a semi-transparent, veil-like structure, composed in a rhythmic sequence that balances opacity and openness. This design allows natural light to filter softly into the interior. Drawing inspiration from the nearby Forbidden City, the architecture reinterprets curved rooflines, warm tones, and rich materials through a contemporary lens.
Retail Design as Spatial Experience
At the heart of the store stands a spiral staircase crafted from stone. Its form echoes the arched geometry of the façade, naturally guiding visitors through the space.
On the ground floor, shoes and silk collections are placed at the forefront, while fragrances and beauty occupy a more expansive area toward the back. The first floor presents a vibrant mix of silk, equestrian pieces, and fashion accessories, set against a multicolored mosaic floor inspired by the Faubourg motif.
Upper levels host men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections, along with fitting salons and private spaces. On the third floor, home collections, leather goods, watches, and jewelry are displayed within an environment enriched by marquetry, lacquered walls, and structured brick elements. The top floor is dedicated to a spacious private salon opening onto a landscaped terrace.
A Dialogue Between Art and Craftsmanship
The interior also integrates a curated selection of artworks, where contemporary art coexists with pieces from the Émile Hermès collection and the Hermès collection of contemporary photography.
Among the commissioned works is a suspended installation by Chinese artist Liu Jianhua. Composed of handcrafted ceramic petals and sculpted marble medallions, the piece appears to float above the staircase, evoking the graceful motion of a riding crop.
Connecting with Local Culture Through Exclusive Pieces
To mark the opening, Hermès introduces a selection of exclusive items featuring the “Parade en Fanfare” motif by Chinese artist Tong Ren. The collection includes a limited-edition foosball table, travel bags, unique timepieces, silk pieces, and leather goods, reflecting a dialogue between local culture and the house’s creative universe.
China’s Strategic Role in the Luxury Landscape
More than an expansion of its retail network, this new Beijing store represents a culturally embedded, experience-driven space. As competition intensifies in China’s luxury market, the ability to translate a brand’s identity into a spatial experience is becoming a key differentiator.
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