This autumn in London, the Hermès Maison window at 166 New Bond Street presents an extraordinary showcase crafted by architects Space Popular. The six arched windows enchant viewers with scenes of a surreal drawing room constructed from cotton-and-silk-blend quilts in rich, warm hues, echoing the Georgian architecture of the Maison.
The Artistic Display Journey
Dubbed ‘Ciel de Lit’, the exhibit features quilted sash windows opening into whimsical clouds, a vibrant fireplace, and an intriguing door slightly ajar, teasing at worlds beyond. Playful details abound—Hermès gloves unfold curtains, a silk scarf embellishes an easel, and a leather belt plugs into a quilted socket—blending the softness of textiles with the precision of craftsmanship. “We like to create things that make you look twice, widen your mind and spark curiosity,” says architect Fredrik Hellberg, partner in the Space Popular duo with Lara Lesmes.
Their inspiration draws from surrealism and the blurred moments between sleep and wakefulness. They also embraced Hermès’ 2026 theme of ‘Venture Beyond’ and the unique character of the London Maison, a place comprised of six architectural gems housing 55 distinct rooms. The display truly exemplifies the convergence of creativity and tradition.
Over the past ten years, Space Popular has increasingly integrated textiles into their work, fascinated by the medium’s ability to humanize architecture and narrate history. This quilt project, executed with London artisan Andy Knight, unites nearly 500 quilted textile pieces into a vast installation, marking their most ambitious textile endeavor. “It’s incomprehensible how many hundreds of miles of stitching there is, yet how slow and precise it is too,” Hellberg remarks, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship involved.
The collaboration with Hermès Maison included curating their Home collection items within the window design. Featured pieces include the Pippa stool, the re-editioned sofa by Jean-Michel Frank, the Les Trotteuses d’Hermès table, and the Pantographe arc floor lamp. The artistic architecture’s allure is further enhanced by the reflections and dynamic light of New Bond Street.
Hermès’ windows have a storied history, famously curated by Leïla Menchari between 1978 and 2013. Her legendary work is chronicled in the publication ‘Leïla Menchari, the Queen of Enchantment’ by Hermès.
“This is the kind of legacy that you’re stepping into,” Hellberg acknowledges, honoring past collaborators like Wang & Söderström. He emphasizes their goal to engage a wide audience with their creation, saying, “We are called Space Popular for a reason. At our core we are really interested in what people like and what people enjoy.”
‘Ciel de Lit by Space Popular’ is on display at Hermès Maison, 166 New Bond St, London, until 30 October 2026.
Source: wallpaper.com
Frequently asked questions
Who crafted the Hermès London window display?
The Hermès London window display was crafted by the architects Space Popular, a duo consisting of Fredrik Hellberg and Lara Lesmes.
What is the theme of the window display?
The theme of the window display is ‘Ciel de Lit’, featuring quilted sash windows, whimsical clouds, and playful details like Hermès gloves unfolding curtains and a silk scarf embellishing an easel.
When will the ‘Ciel de Lit by Space Popular’ be on display until?
‘Ciel de Lit by Space Popular’ will be on display at Hermès Maison, 166 New Bond St, London, until 30 October 2026.
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