Photo courtesy of Hermes In the 17th to 19th centuries, the elite from many cold climates cities in Europe used to build large conservatories to house tropical and subtropical plants that would survive under improved conditions. A Winter Garden’s primary purpose was to extend the elite’s living space and create an exotic living environment with tropical plants. One of the Winter Garden’s functions was to protect the precious plants and citrus fruit trees in the cold season, such as the tasty yet delicate orange trees and pineapple shrubs. At that time, the Pineapple, the indigenous fruit of South America, was a significant cultural icon of luxury. The warm and humid oasis mixed with lush trees, unique flowers and exotic fruits inside the magnificent architecture became an attraction for guests and visitors. It was eventually used for various purposes, such as displaying tropical plants, holding flower shows, afternoon tea parties, evening occasions, social gatherings, and a...
Hermès Shawl Le Jardin de Leïla au Bloc 140cm Photo Courtesy of Hermès Hermès Scarf Le Jardin de Leïla 90cm Photo Courtesy of Hermès “Hermès wouldn’t be Hermès without Leïla,” said Axel Dumas, the chief executive of the luxury French maison at the opening of the “Hermès à Tire d’Aile: Les Mondes de Leïla Menchari” (Hermès Takes Flight: The Worlds of Leïla Menchari) exhibit in 2017. Tunisian-born Leïla Menchari (27 September 1927 – 4 April 2020) is the maestro who created the window display at the Hermès flagship store at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré for over 35 years. She has created over 137 window displays since joining the Hermès decoration team in 1961. The company’s former chairman and artistic director Jean-Louis Dumas appointed her as the director of window displays and the silk colours committee from 1978 until 2013. Photo Courtesy of Dar Hensen Hermès paid homage to Leïla Menchari and issued the carré Le Jardin de Leïla in 2014. The carré was reproduced as the Le Jardin de ...