It’s a thing of beauty, the new Hermès store at Horniman Circle, 1,500 square feet of grace, gloss and greed, manned at the entrance by bearded faces carved into archways and uber efficient store staff that talks in hushed tones, offers tall flutes of champagne and even rescues your car from early-afternoon traffic jams.

Of Coats and Coats of Arms

Housed in an old, pretty building, at street level the store is all business, every square foot of space a canvas for merchandise that oscillates from staid (double-lined cuff links) to mad fun (signature scarves printed with psychedelic puffy-fish, nailed onto a wall and lit from behind). Another notable scarf is that depicting “the dance of the Marwari horse”, proceeds from which will go towards restoration of the Asiatic Library next door. Rani pink and limned with regal white horses, it is ridiculously appealing both as apparel and, like the Marwari half of the Secret Scouters joked, a coat of arms for our front door.

Caught as our eye was by the above described scarf, we found plenty of other things to covet as well – square-dialled wristwatch with tan double strap; cobalt blue canvas tote with leather detailing, tapered-toe perforated leather loafers, orange leather cuff with metallic spikes and wide, floral printed bangles. And yes, for all those that are wondering, the Birkin was there too, in all its unimaginative, wincingly-expensive glory. Exactly how expensive? If you have to ask, darling, you can’t afford it.

The Hermès equestrian theme is alive and kicking as well, in saddles and riding crops that decorate the walls, belt buckles and watch dials glinting through glass tops and crockery and toys in the store’s display window and on the first floor.

Higher Ground

The first floor is also where the real enchantment of Hermes Mumbai lies, a creamily luxurious gallery and verandah space that seems to unfurl straight onto the tops of old trees, punctuated by French windows and made fragrant with fresh flowers blooming in the brand’s trademark orange shopping bags.

We wanted to bring our toothbrush and move in here, but as the amused sales lady pointed out, the space is already occupied by a small collection of home products as well as artwork from French and Indian artists (the current display is by French artist Karen Knoll).

Check Out

Hermès is amongst the first international luxury labels to move beyond five star hotels and high end malls to establish a standalone outlet, a decision that seems to have worked extremely well for them. For more than the merchandise, it is the real estate of the Mumbai store that symbolises the appeal of the Hermes brand - original, exclusive and dignified, but still whimsical enough to put a candy striped pony in the show windows.

Getting there: 15 A Horniman Circle, right next to Asiatic Library, Fort, Rs 10,000 for a small silk scarf.