My Dear Scented Saddlebags
I’m sure you may have noticed something of a trend in The Perfumed Dandy‘s reviews this last week…
A certain leaning towards the House of Hermes?
Well, the reason is now revealed, for all this week Hermes and its Craftspeople have set up store at London’s Saatchi Galllery for their Festival des Metiers.
If you happen to be in “The Old Smoke” between now and the 27th of May you can catch the artists and artisans of this most estimable of brands at work.
This is just what The Perfumed Dandy is off to do today!
If you are not able to attend, perhaps you’d let me know….
Which Hermes craftspeople would you most like to meet?
Of course I’m sure a rendez-vous with Jean-Claude Ellena would be top of all our lists, but beyond the master parfumeur, would you like to see the watchmakers, the saddle sowers, the seamstresses, the designers or the silk printers? Or indeed anyone else…
Do tell!?! The Dandy would be ever so curious to hear your thoughts!!!
For more inspiration, why not take a peek at the exhibition website.
You never know… I may even have a snap or two of jolly folks to share afterwards!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy.
The Perfumed Dandy. 
That sounds like a marvelous event, Dandy. If only I had known sooner, I might still have not been able to go… 😉 I think it’s wonderful that you coordinated your reviews to commence with this grand festival. Very clever.
Gripping – Scented, but no saddlebag. 😉
Dearest Gripping
You do tickle The Dandy!
I am laughing out loud on my way to Chelsea!
Of course I only ever meant ‘saddlebags’ as a term of the most profound endearment!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
Haha! I had to laugh, as well. 😀
Oh you lucky man! Do make photos if possible, I’d love to live vicariously through you.
Aside from meeting JCE, I’d love to see the making of a handbag. Enjoy! (I’m so jealous!!!) 🙂
Dear Brigit
I did manage to take some snaps and even one of a gentleman putting together a bag! I will be sure to share them as soon as I can.
I really feel you would have loved today, though even The Dandy had to contain a swoon at the number of scarves on display!!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
Oh..the scarves! I’d love to see how these are designed and printed…have a lovely time!
Dearest Alice
What a process, and what a crowd around the gentleman demonstrating… undoubtedly the stars of the show!
I will post the best snaps The Dandy could get over the heads of the throng!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
How clever of you! And now you can explain how they got Princess Grace, a citrus bouquet, and beautifully groomed horse all in the same bottle. 😉 The thrilling thing for us is we’ll get your always intriguing perspective – I can’t wait.
Dearest V
I do wish I could… however the parfumeurs were the only craftspeople missing.
I shall explain why in more detail, but part of it The Dandy can;t help feeling must be to preserve their mysteries… like Grace and a racehorse in a pink liquid!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
Dear TPD,
I cant attend cause I live in Barcelona, but if there’s something I do love the most, these are the “carrés” silk scarfs. Please take pics, if allowed. I am a collector! Thank You as always, love, Silvia🎀
Dearest Sylvia
What a shame, though keep an eye open as this ‘Rendez Vous’ is on the road and has been to China and, I believe, The USA already, it’s off to Germany then Canada and then who knows maybe somewhere near you!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
How exciting! (I mean that – I am a true geek, love to know how things are done). How I wish I could go! Other than anything JCE has to say, I would love to know about the printing of the scarves. Thank you for asking, Mr. Dandy.
Dearest Lily
No JCE today. The Dandy was so disappointed.
But so much else to see and so many interesting types that I came away enlivened and invigorated.
It is so reassuring that craftsmanship like this is still around to this day and that the craftspeople themselves are so pleasant unassuming and wonderfully talented.
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
Something that might interest Ms Lilybelle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc4tqon6ZBU
Dearest Sylvia
Thank you so much for the link… this is one of the very things they were demonstrating yesterday… but my the competition to even get close was quite something!!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
For obvious reasons: http://www.bukowskis.com/auctions/S200/870-hermes-scarf-qu-importe-le-flacon
Dearest Sylvia
Under 500 of our British Pounds Sterling… a snip!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
Oui, a mere snip slip. Did I ever tell you about my snip slip vintage Chanel necklace perfume flacon bought at *drumroll*… Bukowskis?
I’d love to see the master leather artisans hard at work in their craft – it must be a fascinating sight …
*turns and pouts out of sheer envy in her little inaccessible part of the world*
Dear Elvin One
The beautiful multicouloured hides treated but not yet cut were one of my most favourite parts of the whole display.
I hope to share a snap or two before too long!
Yours ever
The Perfumed Dandy
Cute and fun x
I’m so sad now you made me aware of this and I am nowhere close to visit.
Honestly, I am not sure which of those wonderful craftsmen I’d like to see the most – all of them from what I could tell by the video. 🙂