Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Located on the "Miracle Mile" at the Americana Manhasset, this location held a unique position in the luxury landscape as the last remaining Hermès concessionary. As a Visual Brand Associate, I served as the custodian of the Maison’s visual and intellectual identity within one of the country's most prominent luxury shopping destinations.
| The Problem
Operating as a concessionary presents a unique challenge: maintaining the uncompromising standards of a centuries-old Parisian house while operating within a partner ecosystem. The risk of brand dilution is high if the visual language and staff knowledge do not strictly mirror the corporate boutiques. The mandate was to ensure that the client experience—from the window displays to the sales floor dialogue—remained indistinguishable from a corporate flagship, requiring a seamless bridge between the location and the Hermès New York corporate office.
| The Solution
My role was to enforce the "Hermès DNA" across every physical and digital touchpoint. I took ownership of the store’s visual narrative, rigorously aligning display windows, mannequins, and internal environments with the brand’s global directives. This involved high-level collaboration with external fabricators and artists to install complex, concept-driven window displays that celebrated the brand's seasonal themes.
Beyond the physical environment, I addressed the intellectual display of the brand. I implemented a comprehensive internal education strategy, training the sales staff on the provenance of materials, the nuances of new collections, and the specific tone required to articulate the Hermès story. This ensured that the team didn't just sell products; they educated clients on the savoir-faire behind them.
| The Impact
A Seamless Expression of Luxury By working hand-in-hand with the New York corporate office, I successfully maintained the integrity of the brand at this critical outpost. I extended this consistency into client communications, designing event invitations and newsletters that adhered to the brand’s sophisticated voice.
My stewardship ensured that the store remained a true reflection of the Hermès legacy. By synchronizing the visual atmosphere with a well-educated team and on-brand digital communications, I guaranteed that every client interaction reflected the exclusivity and excellence expected of the Maison.
Category:
Visual Brand Associate
Client:
Hermes
Duration:
2 Years
Location:
Manhasset, New York








