Hallelujah, the much anticipated Herm√®s Sydney store/wonderland has opened. Good things come to those who wait, and as always, Herm√®s have exceeded expectations. At 155 King Street, inside the heritage listed The Trust Building which dates back to 1914 is now the 800m2 Herm√®s wonderland, presenting the full offering of Herm√®s' sixteen métiers. We have been blessed. The French artist Julien Salaud-designed windows are flooded with Herm√®s-orange light, with the original doorway at the interaction of King Street and Castlereagh Street reworked as the main entrance. On the ground floors lies jewellery, watches and the women's and men's silk collections. Herm√®s' finest. Next to the silk is a space dedicated to the leather universe, and the new métier Herm√®s Beauty is showcased alongside the wall of perfumes. Yes, all those brilliant Pierre Hardy-designed lipsticks are ours for the taking. The most brilliant part of the store, designed by the Parisian architecture agency RDAI is the staircase in marble and ash wood which has been created by hand. It flows fabulously and smoothly, a stairway to Herm√®s heaven, inspired by the roots of the Australian Banyan tree, and allows the natural sunlight to project in rays at the foot of the stairs. Clever. On the lower ground floor is the equestrian universe, as well as the men and women's ready-to-wear and shoe collections. And for the first time in Australia, Herm√®s homeware and furniture pieces will be displayed. There is also a six-seater table where guests can pause, enjoy a coffee and recharge their devices. Oh, Herm√®s know us so well. Special objets have been developed, including an iconic Birkin Bag, with French artist AM.Cassandre's (1901-1968)¬†Perspective¬†design, embossed in gold leaf; as well as a limited- edition silk scarf; and a Sydney surfer/skater's dream - a surfboard and skateboard with a pattern on their decks. Herm√®s-ify your life. We sure have.

by Roxy Lola

www.hermes.com