HERMES will open its Hermès Gion store (570-8 Gion-cho Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto) in Gion, Kyoto on November 3rd.

The second event, "WINTER TIME," began on December 9th. Click here for more details.

This boutique will be open for a limited time until July 31st, 2017. Over the nine months from November 3rd, the brand will present the spirit and worldview of Hermès craftsmanship in various forms. The first of these will be an event called "HERMESMATIC," which will run from the opening until November 30th and focus on the "Carré" scarf, an icon of Hermès. The store will feature a limited edition of 300 dip-dyed scarves, each unique, as well as accessories from the 2016-17 Autumn/Winter season.

The boutique is located along Hanamikoji Street, which runs through the center of Gion, a designated landscape conservation district. It is close to Yasaka Shrine and Kenninji Temple, and is surrounded by historic teahouses and traditional Japanese restaurants. The opening of the boutique stems from the "Machiya Project," which Daimaru, founded in the area in the mid-Edo period when the "Kyoto Machiya" architectural style was established, launched in 2017 to celebrate its 300th anniversary and to preserve and utilize the "Kyoto Machiya" that are being lost. Meanwhile, Hermès, founded in France in 1837 as a saddlery workshop, has continued to innovate while stubbornly preserving its traditional, beautiful handcraftsmanship, creating timeless value. While Japan and France have different cultures, tradition and innovation, artisanal skills, and a commitment to craftsmanship have brought Kyoto and Hermès together, resulting in a limited-time boutique set in a traditional townhouse.

Before its renovation, this townhouse, which served as a residence and teahouse, blends seamlessly into the charming Hanamikoji street. Open the sliding door, step through the noren curtain, and you'll be drawn into the world of Hermès.


The walls are constructed using the traditional technique of "kigumi," in which pieces are assembled in a lattice pattern without the use of nails or glue. The fixtures are made of silk fabric, each piece individually dyed with a gradation by Senso, a long-established Kyoto yuzen kimono maker. The interior design, created by Oniki Design Studio, led by architect Koichiro Oniki, embodies a sincere spirit of craftsmanship throughout.

At the central counter on the first floor, a washing machine and dryer dyed in Hermès' signature orange greet visitors. This is a special touch of hospitality prepared by Hermès for this "HERMESMATIC" event, the first of its kind in Japan. Bring in your own "carré," a garment that carries a special meaning—a garment you've cherished for years, treasured in your closet, or even inherited from your grandmother or mother—and we'll dye it for you free of charge. Choose from two colors, pink or blue, and your "carré," breathed new life into, will be returned to you approximately two weeks later (in-store drop-off/pick-up only).

Continuing up the stairs at the back to the second floor, a total of 19 dip-dyed scarves beloved by famous people with ties to Kyoto are on display. Among the contributors are calligrapher Kawao Tomoko, jockey Take Yutaka, Smiles Co., Ltd. CEO Toyama Masamichi, and fashion journalist Ikoma Yoshiko. At the venue, you can read stories about each of the contributors, along with photos of their scarves before they were dip-dyed.

The Hermès Gion store will continue to offer ever-changing and witty proposals, in keeping with the town and in tune with the seasons and times of the year. In December, scarves and accessories are scheduled to be released for the Christmas season.