Experience Hermès' Cinematic Pegasus Inspired Performance in Santa Monica, California

(r-l) Mini Kelly Bleu Brume, Kelly 25 Rose Azalea, Kelly 28 Vert Criquet, Kelly 32 Craie(?)

I think we can all agree that Hermès is best at presenting us with an element of surprise. We experience it every time we are offered a new orange box. And it is once again evident in their  presentation of On The Wings of Hermès.

The Hermès event in Santa Monica premiered on Friday, July 14, 2023 with its creative and unexpected performance by invitation only to a limited number of guests. There were two performances followed by a luncheon and dinner. The experience is now open to the public until July 23.

photo courtesy @didiki

The one-hour live performances showcase 3 shows a day. It began on July 15 and will continue through July 23. Tickets are required for the shows which start promptly at 1:30, 3:30, and 6:00 p.m.

Guests attending the free event are treated to a mythical and ethereal universe inspired by Pegasus. Created by Belgian duo, director Jaco Van Dormael and choreographer Michèle Anne De Mey, together with the Astragales dance company, the performance blends dance, moving objects, music and cinema in a seven-part play. The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica is completely transformed into a dark film soundstage.

Be prepared to expect the unexpected. Set in a large airplane hangar, the visual experience incorporates dance performances, hand choreography, and cinema. Below each of the 7 overhead theatre screens are mini staging areas projected onto the screens in a live performance. There is a mini circus, an opera of singing and dancing Kelly bags (our favorite of course), and the story of two lovers carried away by the wind as they float through the sky, among other performances.

photo courtesy @purse_spotter_karen

photo courtesy @purse_spotter_karen

photo courtesy @purse_spotter_karen
Lovers floating through the sky

Each experience showcases Hermès’ craftsmanship in unusual and unexpected ways. On The Wings of Hermès tells the Greek tale of the mythical winged horse, Pegasus and his seven foals as they embark on a journey to find lightness and grow their wings to fly. Guests will discover a tale through the multi-layered skits, each immersed in its own landscapes and utopian worlds where poetic figurines and puppet-like Hermès objects come alive in a choreography of twirling hands.

photo courtesy @purse_spotter_karen

Hermès Spring/Summer 2023 collection represents the era of “astonishment” for Hermès. A time for reinvention and surprise as they continue to push the boundaries with its imaginative collections. There are several new bags being introduced from this collection such as the Arcon bag, Petite Course bag, the Maxi Kelly and the Buddypocket bag. We will keep a lookout for these bags as they reach the boutiques.

Arcon bag in Barénia Faubourg calfskin

Petite Course bag in epsom calfskin and Wooly strap

Maxi Kelly bag in Togo
Larger Messenger bag with lower handle, increased capacity, and large metal pieces

Buddypocket bag in Swift leather

This same element of surprise is on display at these live performances daily through July 23 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.

photo courtesy @purse_spotter_karen
Sand art performance was magical

This is the fifth time the performance, created by Belgian director Jaco Van Dormael and choreographer Michèle Anne De Mey with her Astragales dance company, has been presented by Hermès. It debuted in March 2022 in Paris at the Grande Halle de La Villette and has traveled to Japan and Taiwan. The creative performance will continue to travel around the world.

The bags we spotted at this event was also a treat. Meeting new Hermès enthusiasts and marveling at their bags is part of the experience as well.

photo courtesy purse_spotter_karen
Lemon Lindy 26

photo courtesy @purse_spotter_karen
Mini Lindy Anemone
Kelly 28 Nata ghw

Etoupe Birkin 35

Bleu Brume Mini Kelly

Noir Evelyne 29

Kelly 25 Epsom Vert Fizz

Noir Birkin 30

Do you have tickets to attend the On The Wings of Hermès event in Santa Monica, California? Although the performances say they are sold out online, there are always cancellations so keep checking. You could also show up and ask if there are any cancellations. Share your thoughts and photos with us if you attend.