Hermes’ Festival des Metiers

Overview

From the summery banks of the Seine to the howling winds of Sydney's waterfront, the eternally stylish artisans behind Hermès are about to hit the Museum of Contemporary Art for an insider's look into their trade. From October 2 – 6, the brand's world-renowned Festival des Métiers exhibition will be visiting Sydney, and it'll be leaving a whirlwind of silk scarves and luxurious leather goods in its glorious wake.

For those sceptical of luxury brands or dismissive of sentences that involve too many accented French words, Hermès is the fashion house behind those giant leather bags rich heiresses carry small dogs in. They're also well known for their glorious silk scarves that will set you back a hefty portion of your rent. But this upcoming exhibition is anything but snobby.

Featuring a leather craftsperson, saddle maker, silk painter, silk engraver, tie maker, painter, gem setter and watchmaker, Festival des Métiers offers unprecedented personal access to the artisans behind the world-famous fashion brand. The MCA will be decked out in Hermès finest threads (and leathers) and visitors are encouraged to interact with the craftspeople while they create their signature goods. Here you'll see the ornate process involved in making those bags and scarves you lust over, and pick the brains of those who craft some of the world's most adored watches, gloves and jewels.

The exhibition has already toured around the US, the UK and Asia to rave reviews. Around a quarter of a million people visited the event at Singapore and its time at Saatchi Gallery in London was an understandably lush affair. Originally launched in 2011 to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the label, Festival des Métiers looks to be much less a gaudy celebration of the brand and much more an inspiring celebration of the craft itself.

Sure, the goods are still crazy expensive, but at least after seeing the très chic Parisian hand stitching the leather, you'll have a little more understanding as to where all that money goes.

Hermès' Festival des Métiers will be exhibiting at the Museum of Contemporary Art from October 2-6. Admission will be free of charge.