Luxury fashion house Hermès announced on Wednesday the opening of its newest boutique in the heart of Princeton, marking its forty-first location in the United States. 

Located in the downtown district of the university town in Palmer Square, the boutique has a bespoke design that pays homage to Princeton’s rich heritage. 

The facade is characterized by a series of bow windows, inviting abundant natural light into the space. Inside, visitors are greeted by a residential ambiance, with the women’s and men’s silk universe, perfume and beauty collections, and fashion jewelry prominently displayed. 

From here, the boutique is divided in small salons dedicated to each of Hermès’ sixteen métiers. Up the stairs, visitors can discover the equestrian display, which carries through to the home universe and finally to the jewellery and watches area in an intimate, all-wooden salon. 

Designed by the Parisian architecture agency RDAI, the store’s aesthetic draws inspiration from Princeton’s academic culture, incorporating a palette of deep blue-greens and autumnal reds to complement the warmth of the wood accents. Graphic carpets, reminiscent of a stack of books, delineate the various sections, while iconic Hermès furniture and lighting fixtures add to the atmosphere.

Art plays a significant role in the boutique’s decor, with contemporary pieces by artists like Evan Hecox juxtaposed with timeless masterpieces from the Émile Hermès collection. To celebrate the opening, American artist Ruby Wescoat crafted a window installation, showcasing Princeton’s scholastic legacy through the lens of humor and creativity.