Exploring “The Spirit of the Faubourg”: My Take on the Latest Issue of “Le Monde d’Hermès”

I recently purchased a few items from Hermès, and a few weeks later, a letter from Hermès arrived in my mailbox, just in time for the holiday season. To my surprise (and delight), inside was a copy of the Autumn – Winter 2024 issue of the Le Monde D’Hermès magazine.

The cover feels reassuringly thick and slightly textured, with a subtle sheen under the right lighting. It features twelve squares arranged in four rows and three columns, each one showcasing an object that reflects the Hermès spirit. I love how the contrasting colors—yellow with purple, blue with orange, red with green—are balanced by generous white space, making the design feel vibrant yet calming at the same time. It was a beautiful, unexpected treat that elevated my day and gave me a fresh glimpse into the Hermès world.

Inside the magazine, I discovered a letter from Diane Mahady, President of Hermès U.S. It was printed on a beautifully textured paper that almost feels like leather, complete with the iconic Hermès Paris logo embossed at the top. In the letter, she introduces this magazine as the second volume in a series devoted to “The Spirit of the Faubourg”—a reference to 24, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the location of the Hermès flagship store in Paris. This theme also guides Hermès in 2024, celebrating the brand’s origins at that very first Parisian boutique.

One of my favorite parts of this issue is a photo collection showing the real faces of Hermès saddler-leatherworkers and mechanics in their workshops. It’s fascinating to imagine these skilled artisans shaping the very bags we adore—each stitch and seam a testament to their mastery. It’s like catching a glimpse of the birthplace of my own Hermès pieces, where craft and passion meet to produce something truly timeless.

Another section I loved is an essay describing the treasures in Émile Hermès’ personal library. Reading it felt like stepping into Émile’s mind and discovering what sparked his creativity. I gained a deeper appreciation for the designs we see today, realizing they’re rooted in stories and inspirations from the past.

I also adored the spread of models showcasing Hermès silk scarves in unexpected ways. The vibrant prints and bold color choices have always intrigued me, but seeing them styled so creatively—and learning how many of them pay tribute to Hermès’ equestrian heritage and flagship locations—added new layers of meaning to each silk masterpiece.

After immersing myself in Le Monde d’Hermès, I feel an even stronger connection to Hermès designs. It’s inspiring to learn how each piece is tied to a long tradition of craftsmanship and artistic vision—almost as though you’re collecting a story rather than just a bag or scarf. Going forward, I plan to invest in more timeless pieces that resonate with this sense of heritage, allowing me to carry a little bit of Hermès history wherever I go.

If you’ve never had the chance to browse a copy of Le Monde d’Hermès, I highly recommend you seek it out. Or, if a physical copy proves elusive, explore the Hermès website or social media channels for a glimpse of their world.

And of course, I’d love to hear your thoughts: have you read this latest issue? Which sections spoke to you, and how do they influence the way you see Hermès? Let’s chat in the comments below!