By Elena Jong Hee Suh
PGD Student
Les Roches Jin Jiang

On 15th of November, LRJJ Postgraduate students visited both the French luxury brand Hermes Maison as well as five starred Hotel Andaz in Xintiandi, Shanghai.

Hermes Maison is the fifth store of its kind after Paris, New York, Tokyo, and Seoul. It is located in a 1920s, 4 floors historical building and also showcases an impressive collection of vintage Hermes pieces.
Before being introduced to the store concept in detail, store director Benjamin Bilteryst welcomed us to the third floor, providing some insightful details about their unique interior design.
We also had the chance to view the special exhibition about Hermes’ story and understand their brand values and missions.
We were fascinated by the interior design on the third floor and their VIP room. It is not only about their collection, jewelry, bags, shoes and home design but their unique service they offer to their customer. From private rooms where clients can chose their colors, material for home design furniture, curtains, walls, tailored suits or unique crafted products to a lounge bar where guests can enjoy a glass of champagne.
Through the exhibition, we gained in depth understanding about Hermes’s history. From the beginning with horse harnesses and saddles to the modern collection of luxury bags and furniture. We delved into the process behind the brand identity and the careful dedication that is put into their design for bags, patterns and jewelry in their collection.
Hermes Maison is not only about fashion but follows a clear mission to create a 360 degree customer experience.

After this amazing tour at Hermes, we went to the Andaz Hotel located just around the corner. We had a warm welcome by Mr Robert Hamer, General Manager of Andaz Xintiandi Shanghai.
“Andaz” it is hindi meaning “Personal style”, which relates to Andaz philosophy to create unique and personalized experiences in their hotel.
Our tour stared visiting some rooms with their amazing views of Xintiandi. The interior has been designed by a Japanese design studio and highlighting wood and warm colors really supports the simplistic and modern feel. The rooms are all equipped with iPads on which you can control all electric equipment in the room from the TV to your curtains.
Andaz has a very particular reception desk, which appears quite unique: Andaz believes in creating a more personal and friendly welcoming of their guests; where they check-in and check-out their costumers by their side. Guests can enjoy tea, coffee and little snacks while waiting. It gives you a very relaxing, lounge-like atmosphere.

It was a nice tour and we got closer to understanding each brand values and styles. We can see how the industry is adapting to the changes of the society, aiming to giving us a more unique and personalized experience.