The petit h Souk Lands in Dubai

In a playful dialogue between object creation, the reuse of materials, and sustainability, petit h will be bringing from November 11th to 27th a touch of mischief and an abundance of know-how to the Dubai Mall store.

Adopting a unique work approach, petit h, a métier established in 2010, now under the creative direction of Godefroy de Virieu, does not follow a preconceived idea or grand design for its creations. Nonetheless, it starts with materials such as leather, silk, crystal and porcelain for which the other métiers have no further use, and with which artisans, artists and designers improvise by combining, assembling and altering them in a thousand and one ways. The petit h workshop gives life and meaning to distinctive, hybrid objects which aesthetics and function are faithful to Hermès’ spirit of ingenuity, high-quality materials and exceptional know-how. Surprising yet fun creations.

In Dubai, the petit h objects are staged in a space reminiscent of a souk. Designed by Emirati architect and designer Abdalla Almulla, it is infused with the architecture of these traditional places of conviviality and trade. The earthy tones of its walls and floors and the openwork ceilings help diffuse soft light, minimise exterior heat, and create a welcoming atmosphere where visitors can browse, take their time and chat over tea. The color palette of the petit h souk reflects the local terracotta, clay, fabric and wood used to construct it. These materials were worked according to ancestral know-how, echoing the very essence of petit h, where ingenious objects are created from diverse and varied materials in often unusual combinations. A falcon stand which combines terracotta with leather, porcelain and crystal, and an incense burner consisting of a fine terracotta dish elevated on a green and white crystal base are two examples of vernacular creations that pay homage to Dubai.