Hermes reopens at Liat Towers, new homeware section and floor added

After months of being boarded up behind a gigantic orange box — like a Christmas present you're not allowed to open until the morning of December 25 — the Hermes boutique at Liat Towers finally reopened with a bang on Thursday evening. It marks a new milestone for the store, which has occupied the site for three decades.

Some 800 guests (said a doorman, when we remarked on the size of the champagne-swilling crowd) were expected , including Hermes VIPs, celebrities and members of the media.

Designed by Paris-based agency RDAI, the store has been transformed and expanded: The retail and exhibition space has been increased to 670 sqm, enabling Hermes to more fully showcase the works of its sixteen specialised divisions (including equestrian equipment and homewares). And at the top of the building, a statue of an Hermes firework-maker rides off the roof on horseback.

"How to Disappear Into a Rainbow", an installation by Dawn Ng.

Of course, whimsy was also stamped all over the party proceedings: On the top floor, guests interacted with the mirrored pillars of the installation "How to Disappear into a Rainbow", created by local artist Dawn Ng. Specially created photo booths saw partygoers pose for shots in "jungle" settings, or even don horse heads, while others stayed with the more sensible option of checking out the beautiful Hermes goods on display. Ah — it's good to see one of the country's most familiar stores back in action, and looking better than ever.