Double-height windows framed by a moulded glass structure draw attention to the exterior façade, brought to life by a curtain composed of nearly a thousand hand-woven cotton threads, hanging like the fibres of a loom in a sweeping, graceful motion. This poetic installation, visible through the expansive glass surfaces that reflect the changing light, evokes the movement of two horses galloping. As night falls, a new atmosphere takes hold: the reflections fade, and the store is illuminated from within.
Hermès opened a new four-floor store at The Landmark Nagoya Sakae, Japan, on June 11 2026, drawing inspiration from Japanese culture, weaving traditions and local craftsmanship.
Designed by RDAI, the space features textile-inspired interiors, curated artworks and bespoke installations by Mona Sugata, blending luxury retail with Nagoya’s creative heritage and artisanal identity.
The ground floor entrance radiates with golden light and a tatami-inspired palette of amber and grey. Guests are greeted by the house’s emblematic ex-libris, Faubourg mosaic and Grecques lighting, revealing the silk universe flanked by a glossy perfume and beauty alcove with amber urushi lacquer walls. A sculptural stone staircase sweeps in front of the leather goods area and cascades through the centre of the store, its sinewy metal reeds anchoring each level. Downstairs, the men’s universe is set within pleated grey silk walls inspired by the folds of a traditional Japanese hakama.
On level two, regal plum and blush tones envelop the vast women’s universe, offset by textural stucco and delicate yuzen technique, as seen in the momo flowers. Bright light floods the space, with a large jewellery area delineated by plush purple carpets that punctuate the flow. The equestrian and home collections are located on the serene top floor. Deep blue and indigo notes, referencing traditional shibori techniques, are balanced with soothing neutrals and an illuminated sky dome.
Designed by Parisian architecture agency RDAI, the new store showcases regional craftsmanship, the use of local fabrics and Japanese weaving techniques to imbue each level with a cohesive textile motif.
A selection of curated artworks from the Émile Hermès Collection and Hermès Collection of Contemporary Photographs includes two nineteenth-century Japanese albums – L’art de faire des bouquets – Ikebana, and Shokuba ko by Katsuyoshi Matoba, the first edition of an equestrian book dedicated to harnessing techniques. A new acquisition, Spring Mist, by artist Shihoko Fukumoto, creates visual harmony with the celestial oculus on the top floor.
Mona Sugata’s theatrical installations grace each of the four windows. Created to celebrate the store’s opening and inspired by the house’s annual theme, Venture beyond, the installations depict a journey through life that begins with breath and expands into the world beyond. From the basement window, evoking an underwater world, to the ground level and onwards to the sky, her work, entitled My Breath Is Where the World Begins, sparks curiosity and entices visitors inside.
Hermès invites loyal customers and new visitors to discover the house’s timeless creations in a bold new store shaped by Nagoya’s creative heritage.
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (MS)
