Pencil Possibilities: A Window VM Display by L'Atelier Five

Immersing Viewers in the Story of the Moment

Le Sens des Objets – The meaning of the object was the brief. Taking inspiration from a very banal, everyday object which has a common place and association with the majority audience, the Pencil. Dating back through history and time, the instrument can evoke emotion thinking back olden times, or childhood, coloring books, drawing, note-taking, letter writing making it possible for the mass audience to have a connection with the window display.

L'Atelier Five, a renowned design firm, has created a captivating window VM display called "Pencil Possibilities" for luxury brand Hermes. This unique installation was showcased in 12 Travel Retail boutiques across Europe and America, as well as 2 stand-alone stores in Malaysia, spread across a total of 32 windows.

Each window display was meticulously crafted to immerse the viewer in the story of the moment. The design team paid careful attention to every detail, ensuring that each window was unique to its location and conveyed a chapter of the full story in the global display. The goal was to attract, engage, and entertain the viewer while highlighting the brand's products as hero elements to entice the audience.

One of the main challenges faced by the design team was the need to adapt the design to different locations and target audiences. With a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 windows per boutique, the design had to be flexible, adaptable, and versatile. Using impactful colors and oversized elements, the design successfully captured the playful nature and affection of the viewers.

The production process involved 3D modeling each window display and placing it in situ to ensure that the space was appropriately utilized in each location. Fire restrictions in some airports limited the use of materials to metal, glass, stone, and Class B1 fire-rated MDF. The design team adapted the design to be produced with the same look and effect in all windows, using heat-formed metal or MDF for all props.

The "Pencil Possibilities" window VM display was installed in late April 2017 and remained on display for 3 months. It received accolades and recognition for its creative and ingenious design, winning the Bronze A' Design Award in 2018 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This award is bestowed upon outstanding designs that incorporate best practices in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to quality of life improvements.

L'Atelier Five's "Pencil Possibilities" window VM display showcases the power of design to create a connection between everyday objects and the emotions they evoke. With its unique and captivating design, it successfully engages viewers and highlights the brand's products, making it a truly remarkable installation.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: L'Atelier Five
Image Credits: Image #1:L'Atelier Five / Hermès, Pencil Possibilities, 2017 Image #2:L'Atelier Five / Hermès, Pencil Possibilities, 2017 Image #3:L'Atelier Five / Hermès, Pencil Possibilities, 2017 Image #4:L'Atelier Five / Hermès, Pencil Possibilities, 2017 Image #5:L'Atelier Five / Hermès, Pencil Possibilities, 2017
Project Team Members: Managing Director: Saina Attaoui Creative Manager: Stephanie Paris Project Manager: Sophie Quilling Project Manager: Emily Woodall
Project Name: Pencil Possibilities
Project Client: L'Atelier Five


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