Makati stops for Hermès' formal opening
Months before the store opened just before Christmas, local bag hags were all abuzz about the bright orange barricade built around the corner of Greenbelt 3.
When it finally opened its doors, rumor had it the store had sold more than P30 million pesos in goods on its first day and sold out its quota of Birkins for a year.
Who knew there was so much money going around in our economy—what with leather handbags priced as much a small car?
Days before Hermès Manila’s formal opening, employees at various Greenbelt establishments wondered about the new barricades set up at the walkway between the store and the Ayala Museum—something was definitely cooking up.
On Wednesday night a small portion of Makati Avenue was closed to accommodate the cars of guests attending the event.
When we arrived just before 7 p.m., the place was already teeming with socialites armed in their Birkins and Hermès clutches.
Anton Huang, president of Luxury Concepts, Inc., welcomed guests at the receiving line, along with Hermès’ country manager, Mario Katigbak.
Inside the store, a few prized handbags were on display, but most of them were already reserved. Not a few guests expressed frustration at not being able to purchase them.
As soon as the French contingent arrived, Anton made the welcoming remarks, after which guests were invited to walk over to the Ayala Museum for cocktails.
The maze-like walkway was guarded by tuxedoed “horsemen” whose horse heads were imported from Europe.
At the end of walk, Manila’s high society hobnobbed amid buffet spreads, flowing drinks, while a band played in the background.
On the opening of the boutique, Hermès CEO Patrick Thomas said, “We are so proud to be opening our first store in Manila, a city with a long and rich history that perfectly blends its Asian roots with more recent Western influences.
“As they step into the world of Hermès, we hope our customers will feel the same sense of emotion and pleasure which our craftsmen invest in each object they make, and discover unexpected richness in our collections,” said Thomas.
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In the Philippines, Hermès is exclusively distributed by Luxury Concepts, Inc. and is available at Greenbelt 3.
