For the first time ever, Hermès plants a flag in the Detroit metropolitan area, until now a blank space on the map of the United States, one of the most lucrative markets world of the French luxury house. Following the trail of a handful of peers from fashion’s upper echelon, Hermès has secured a 293 sqm. (3,154 sq.ft.) unit on the ground floor of Somerset Collection, a shopping centre in Troy, a leafy suburban area of town. Nestled in between the boutiques of luxury peers Tiffany, Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo, the retail space features an interior design of Paris-based architecture practice and longtime collaborator RDAI. Although oozing the brand’s signature aesthetic, the store incorporates subtle elements referencing the region’s landscapes with lakes, forests, and rock formations. The façade is captured by St. Clair limestone, an American stone defined by its tones of blue and grey. Inside, three granite monoliths and a wooden grid displaying Hermès’ coveted silk collections at the centre of the premises sort of anchors the interior design. Oak flooring, also locally sourced, is paired with bespoke carpets and sand-coloured walls, while further into the store floral fabrics, traditional Grecques lighting of molded glass globes and wooden wall coverings further boost the sophisticated vibe. For the most discerning of shoppers, a V.I.P. room is readily available. The new Hermès store carries men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, bags, shoes, jewellery, fragrances, homeware, and also items from the equestrian collection.