The setting is the Mumbai Hermès store. Though it is a weekday afternoon, energy levels are high and the space is bright with colour. An artist paints renditions of attending guests’ lips on a card, as a very personalised take-home present, while assembled journalists wait for details on the much-anticipated launch of Hermès Beauty in India. The luxury brand launched its first line of beauty with Rouge Hermès, featuring 24 shades of lipsticks (upwards of ₹6,100) in vibrant, saturated shades, in March 2020. All assembled by hand, in true Hermes style these are designed to make a statement, and also to last (with refillable bullets). Now, the collection is finally in India.
Creative director of Hermès Beauty, Gregoris Pyrpylis, who was in Mumbai for the event says, “Hermès’ launch in the country comes three years after its initial roll-out, and that can be blamed on the pandemic.” Nevertheless, the brand promises that its entire range of products will now be available in the country. “I think that the Indian beauty market is growing bigger day by day, that consumers are more aware of the ingredients and the impact on the environment, there is a stronger quest for skincare benefits in a make-up product,” says Gregoris.
The launch included four collections, ranging from lipsticks to nail enamel, among other products. Gregoris emphasises that the focus is on natural beauty, “not in terms of nude shades; I’m talking about bringing out the innermost nature of every personality and expressing its every facet.” He states, “Hermès is known for its expertise in colours, as a house of colours, design, and creativity.”
