HÈRMES FESTIVAL DES METIERS AT THE SAATCHI

Just a few months ago, the Saatchi played host to one of the biggest French fashion houses of all time, Chanel.The Little Black Jacket exhibition was a huge success, so the question thats arisen now is; is this the start of a fashion takeover at the Saatchi? 

They have now partnered with another prestigious French house, Hèrmes. Renowned for their beautiful leather bags and silk scarves, the latest exhibition looks at the craftsmanship behind their products. 

I hadn't read much about the exhibit and only heard about it the day before so I went in with a completely open mind. All I can say is I wasn't  disappointed. I find some exhibitions quite tedious, some bore me to sleep if I'm honest and I can whizz round them within half an hour. Do not expect this here. 

Hèrmes have got some of their most skilled craftsmen together to show you, the public, exactly how they make their luxury items and it really is so interesting. From tie making to creating the iconic Birkin everything you needed to know about Hèrmes accessories is here. 

It was incredible to see the skill and patience that goes in to creating their most well known pieces. The Birkin, for example, takes 25 hours to create and each bag is created by just one person. They said that from a line up they can pick out who made which bag!

There was also a woman creating a Hèrmes diamond encrusted bracelet and another pulling thread from the infamous scarves to create different textures, the detail and precision was incredible One part that really amazed me was the woman who created the drawings for the silk printed scarves, being extremely unskilled in drawing myself, things like this never cease to amaze me. The patience and attention to detail was awe inspiring. They said it takes 600 - 800 hours to draw out a simple pattern and about 1200 hours for a detailed pattern such as the Indian lady seen in the photos. To have that much patience and skill really emphasises how much effort is put in to these products, it is so refreshing to know that luxury does still exist, it seems you really are getting your moneys worth with Hèrmes products and they have proved this in magnificent style. 

The tables were laid out as they would be in the work shop, it was beautifully authentic and the use of French craftsmen shows how important heritage is to the brand. 

So much thought was put in to the exhibit from the carpet to the ceiling. It was so different from the Chanel exhibition, and I feel a lot more exciting. I have never been to an exhibition like this before, it was so exciting and I hope more fashion houses plan to host exhibits like this in the future.

Being a student I found it great that the exhibit is completely free (yep, you heard correctly!) so I suggest you get down there asap. It finishes on the 26th May so hurry as you do not want to miss this! 

THE RISE OF LUXURY

Recession, what recession? recent reports have shown that consumers are still spending big bucks on luxury goods. Considering the current climate this probably comes as a big surprise it did for me, someone tell me who's buying all this Moët and Ferrari's and give them my number please. 

A recent Harris poll shows the continuing rise in profits for luxury brands so I want to work out why and HOW they are purchasing luxury goods when a lot of us are struggling to afford Primark right now

Top of the pile in fashion brands we have giant conglomerate LVMH and french brand Hermes. In just a year LVMH's worth has grown by 2 billion, from its 16 billion in 2012 to 18 billion in 2013, which is pretty astonishing considering we are meant to be in a recession. So why are we choosing to spend our hard earned cash on luxury items? 

It is believed that after years of tightening their belts, consumers are starting to think more about the quality and longevity of what they purchase, which makes sense. Its all well and good buying a couple of 5 pound tops from Primark, but will you still want to be seen in them in two months time, or a more likely question will they still be in one piece? It seems we are looking for investments and that comes at a price I'm afraid.

Moreover it seems extravagant dressing is a way of showing that you are coping with the recession its a clear mark to people of your wealth. 

Paris brand Hermès have also seen a sharp rise in profits recently, net profit for the year jumped 24.6%, being one of the biggest names in the luxury fashion industry Hermès are making sure they hold on to their crown as one of the most prestigious apparel and accessories brands in the business. 

Something you may or may have not noticed is that one of the biggest consumers of luxury brands is China, part of the emerging BRIC economy, every year they flee to shopping capitals (oh and Bicester Village, we all love a bargain) to get their fix of luxury goods.

It looks like luxury brands are still reigning in fashion and will for some time so get saving girls.