-SPECIAL- "HERMES" 00's Jean-Paul Gaultier Era Silk Twill Shirt "The Music of the Spheres"

HERMES, which originated as a saddlery workshop and has condensed its philosophy and story into a single scarf, presents a special piece from the early 2000s that combines the Maison's tradition with the innovative spirit of its artistic director at the time, Jean-Paul Gaultier.

This masterpiece, made of soft cream-colored silk twill, features a delicate pen drawing of a stringed instrument, surrounded by a geometric orbit, creating an intellectual piece that makes you feel as if you can hear music in the silence.

First of all, in terms of the era and background, the bold approach seen in this piece, of "rearranging designs from classic scarves from the past to fit the structure of the garment," is highly consistent with the distinctive creations of Jean-Paul Gaultier, who has led HERMES since 2004 (or during that transitional period).

Based on the classic scarf "La Musique des Spheres" (The Music of the Spheres), released by Zoé Pauwels in 1996, this piece has been reworked not as a simple printed fabric, but as a "part" that flatters the wearer's body, embodying the aesthetic of "dynamic reconstruction of tradition" that HERMES aimed for in the early 2000s. The inscription "Hermès Japon" on the inner tag also guarantees that this is an authentic item made after the 2000s, with strict quality control.

Looking deeper into the design, the true value of this shirt lies in its "engineered" pattern placement. By running the neck and strings of the Stradivarius vertically along the central axis of the placket, a visual spine (center line) is created, from which the organic curves of the violin are calculated to overlap with the body line. By incorporating the body into the scarf, the flat painting of the carving is elevated to a three-dimensional sculpture. This is the greatest strength of this archive, achieved only during the Gaultier era, when the sensuality of materials and structural beauty were pursued.

The arrangement of the musical staves and celestial globes in the background is also excellent, and the pattern does not break when the sleeve is put on, and the melody appears to flow with the movement of the arm, making even the wearer's movements look beautiful. The intricate musical notation continues even on the cuffs, and when you happen to glance down at your wrist, you will see the words "© HERMÈS" and be able to learn about the Maison's story, which is an added privilege that only owners can enjoy.

It is also important to note that the natural mother-of-pearl buttons are not just decorative, but function as part of this intricate instrument. When tightly closed, they are arranged in a disciplined manner like fingers pressing down on the strings of a violin, but when open, the silk sways in the wind, breaking down the drawn trajectory and creating "dynamic music." This switch can be toggled by opening or closing the buttons, so the same shirt can instantly transition from a "serene" style to a "light" mood.

While addressing the profound theme of "universal harmony = music," advocated by the ancient Greek Pythagoras, the watch is crafted in subdued tones, exuding an intellectual aura without being overly flashy, making it a natural complement to modern minimalist fashion. This watch is perhaps the most elegant expression of the essence of HERMES, which is to embody culture, stories, and the designer's philosophy.

In terms of styling, as this shirt itself has a complete composition, pairing it with slacks in a similar beige or grey will create a sophisticated one-tone look. You can also wear it under a jacket, as seen on the runway at the time, leaving just the centre of the instrument visible, to enjoy a classic sense of tension.

Please take this opportunity.