Carnival Hermes "World of Women"
Neon Fix
Hermes and carnivals aren't things that sound like they'd go together. The disparity in taste level (and cost) between a $7,000 leather bag, popcorn, and horse racing games might seem, well, vast. Only last night, at the third installment of Hermes' "World of Women"—a showcase for all the scarves, leather goods, and clothes that make up Hermes' "women's universe" (similar exhibitions have been mounted in Shanghai and Paris)—it all made sense.
800 guests made their way downtown to "The Corner" at 23 Wall St, and for five or so hours, a former J.P. Morgan office building became the site of Hermes' spectacular carnival. Champagne flowed freely and at each turn, a new surprise:
A choreographed dance routine involving Hermes bags...
A faux-synchronized swimming number featuring Hermes scarves and bathing suits (and a delicious raw bar)...
A "Bangle Bar" where guests were served champagne at a bar comprised of two enormous enamel bangles by bartenders whose arms were stacked with bangles...
A photo booth with carousel ponies and more scarves (yes, Martha Stewart got in on the action)...
And and a horse racing game, where, it must be said, I beat Jodie Foster.
Some might equate old world luxury with stuffiness. Hermes would prove you wrong.