Hermes in Mumbai

It’s a matter of timing. Hermes is usually launched in the capital city of a new country out of courtesy. It’s our way of paying tribute to the country. The Mumbai store is a tribute to the city and its architecture. It’s at the Horniman Circle,where the pin code is 001,the centre of the city,from where everything begins.

What have been Hermes’ experiences in and with India?

We launched in New Delhi’s Oberoi hotel over three years ago. It was a small step,as it’s a small store and a select collection. But you cannot expect the best from your customers if you don’t give them your best. Nevertheless,every day is better than the previous day. The Mumbai store will house the latest collections immediately.

India has a very loyal Birkin Brigade. But Hermes is also a treasure of beautiful beachwear and scarves.

It’s a matter of offer and presentation,our store is huge — over 3,000 square feet — and our displays will do the job. We will also have a gallery where we will showcase the work of our craftsmen and invite Indian artists.

Now that the LVMH group owns more than 20 per cent of Hermes,where does your fight with Bernard Arnault and his team — who bought shares using derivatives — stand today? (LVMH’s vice president was booed at the last Hermes shareholders meeting).

What I can tell you is that this made our team work harder than before. The family is together.

Hermes has often been criticised for manipulating the supplies of its Birkin handbags (reference,Michael Tonello’s Bringing Home the Birkin).

This is a misconception. We employ 2,000 craftsmen and it takes hours to make a bag. We are privileged that the demand exceeds the supply.

When many luxury labels are trying to keep their business running,Hermes clocked in historical profits last year.

We don’t compromise on quality,craftsmanship and creativity. We take our time and don’t

expand like crazy.