Hermès’ launches new nature-inspired dining range 

If there’s anything that spells unabashed individuality and collective choreography, it’s the new Hermes tableware collection, Passifolia, launched at the most recent edition of Maison&Objet 2020 in Paris. Artist Nathalie Rolland-Huckel painted the designs on paper while observing a university garden not far from home and rummaging through dreamy photos of nature. The designs were then passed on to groups of artisans who gave form to the porcelain ware, signing their work with a small symbol on the back of each piece.

As many as 32 different colours have been used here, so technical challenges apart, this is a celebration  of nature in all its flamboyant beauty. There are 30 pieces in all, comprising large platters, plates, teapots and cups, all of which emblazoned in the colours of the jungle and deep, floral hues. Each piece is designed to hold its own, and can be appreciated as an individual objet d’art and yet able fit in with the rest of the collection. That’s why, if you’re a first-timer to Hermes, there’s no pressure to buy a complete set from the start.

Incidentally, Nathalie has a great deal of experience with this material because she had already designed two previous sets for Hermes—Siesta and Cheval d’Orient—not to mention, she also paints porcelain ware. And because she knows both the material and the techniques well, she was able to create the most elaborate of pieces with plenty of collar overlays as she knew the artisans would be able to bring them to life. 

Everything created at the Hermes Maison has a sense of atemporality—something that will last in time, something that will pass from generation to generation, from mother to daughter. The Passifolia collection is no different and it too will survive trends and fads to live on forever.