A Timeless Journey: Exploring Greece with Hermès’ Shapes of Time Event
I have been working in the watch industry for over two decades, and during this period, I have seen a lot and experienced a lot. But nothing quite prepared me for what I was about to experience with Hermès’ Shapes of Time trip to Greece.
Back in March, I received an invitation from Hermès for a secretive event. Initially, they only revealed that we would be stopping in Paris, keeping the final destination under wraps. As the event drew closer, I learned we were headed to Greece—a place I had never visited before. My excitement was palpable.
A week before departure, all preparations fell into place. The Hermès team discussed travel details with us, revealing that three people from Hong Kong and around fifty from across the globe were invited. Our journey would span four days and three nights in Greece.
We left Hong Kong on an evening flight and arrived in Paris at 5:30 am, greeted by a host arranged by Hermès. This meticulous attention to detail set the tone for the trip. The host guided us effortlessly through Charles de Gaulle Airport, handling immigration and luggage collection seamlessly. We then headed to a private airport nearby, waiting for others to arrive. Once everyone gathered, we boarded a chartered 737—a first for me. With only fifty passengers, the three-hour flight to Mykonos was spacious and enjoyable. I had a delightful conversation with Jessica, the Hermès representative from Hong Kong.
In Mykonos, we split into groups to board pre-prepared yachts bound for Tinos Island. Tinos, known for its unique green marble, became our destination. After a picturesque 50-minute drive, we reached the not-yet-opened Odera Hotel, our luxurious home for the next three days. This exclusive opportunity to be their first guests was a treat. After a brief rest, we gathered for a casual outdoor buffet dinner. This initial gathering allowed us to meet other media members and the Hermès team against the backdrop of a stunning sunset. The weather was unusually calm and pleasant, making for a perfect evening.
The next morning began with a Tai Chi session on a private beach, a serene and revitalizing experience. At 10 am, we gathered at the hotel entrance, where twenty off-road vehicles awaited. These vehicles, transported from Mykonos, took us to another remote location. After a rough but safe journey through narrow mountain roads and rugged terrain, we arrived at a marble quarry. There, we witnessed an awe-inspiring performance by Hermès, featuring music and dance in stark contrast to the quarry’s rugged setting.
The performance, choreographed by Italian artist Alessandro Sciarroni, was the second chapter of a story that began in Geneva. In collaboration with composers Aurora Bauzà and Pere Jou, the musical interpretation echoed the new Hermès Cut watch, blending the intangible force of the choir with the quarry’s telluric reality. Sciarroni, an award-winning artist, brought a unique dimension of time to the performance. Not only was the performance inspiring, but the effort to put it together in such a remote location was truly impressive. Imagine, with no electricity or water, they managed to get the performance and lunch set up. The rehearsals must have been very challenging. I give my heartfelt thanks to the Hermès team.
Post-performance, we enjoyed an unexpected lunch amid the quarry, using the natural marble rocks as tables and bars—a testament to Hermès’ creativity. The meal featured local fish and delicacies, ending with a surprising treat of ice cream.
Returning to the hotel, we had a quick rest before heading to town for dinner by the beach. The magical atmosphere, excellent food, and wine made for an unforgettable evening filled with engaging conversations. The weather was just perfect; locals told us that just a week ago, the wind was so strong they could hardly hear themselves talk. This was a blessing.
The next morning began with more Tai Chi, enhancing the connection to nature. We then split into groups to explore a local village, observing daily life and doing some local shopping, followed by a visit to the Marble Museum of Tinos. The museum, part of the Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation network, offers a comprehensive view of the island’s long-standing tradition in marble craftsmanship. It houses exhibits that highlight the techniques and tools used in marble extraction and processing, providing deep insight into the local heritage and the significance of marble in Tinos’ history.
Following the museum visit, we had the extraordinary opportunity to shape green marble under the guidance of Giorgos Palamaris. Giorgos, born in England in 1986, moved to Tinos in 2006 to study marble craftsmanship at the Preparatory and Vocational School of Fine Arts of Panormos Tinos. He later received a scholarship to continue his studies at the Athens School of Fine Arts, graduating with a master’s degree in 2015. Giorgos is known for his archaeological work in the Cyclades and his exhibitions across Europe. His expertise and passion for marble were evident as he guided us through the delicate process of shaping this beautiful stone, emphasizing the blend of strength and fragility in marble. This exercise allowed us to appreciate the delicate designs in shapes and shadows, which can be seen in the latest Cut collection.
Lunch was at a family-style restaurant by the ocean. When I say by the ocean, I mean literally next to the ocean—when the waves rushed in, we had to lift our feet to avoid getting wet. It was that close! The food was fresh and delicious, but the view was so spectacular that it overshadowed the meal.
After lunch, we experienced the island on foot with a short but steep hike. The hike, designed for all fitness levels, took us past centuries-old relics and small villages, guided by local hiking experts. Along the way, we stopped at a community store run on an honor system, which exemplified the island’s unique charm and community life. The hike lasted about two hours, and I particularly enjoyed it. Laurent Dordet, the CEO of Hermès Horloger, was in my group, and we had long and deep conversations—not only about watches but also other topics. It was very enjoyable, something probably not possible during the busy schedule of watch fairs and exhibitions.
Our final dinner, held at the hotel’s outdoor courtyard, was a memorable affair. We were honored to be joined by Hermès Artistic Executive Vice President Pierre-Alexis Dumas (Mr. Dumas is also the 6th generation of the original Hermès family) and Hermès Horloger CEO Laurent Dordet. A heartfelt speech set the evening in motion, followed by a performance by Franco-Greek singer Dafné Khritaras. Dafné grew up in the Paris region and regularly performs in Greece, France, and worldwide. In January 2021, she won the Musiques d’ici-Diaspora Music Awards, and her third album, “Prayer and Sin,” set to release in January 2025, features a blend of traditional, classical, jazz, folk, and electro genres. Her bewitching vocals, accompanied by virtuoso guitarist Paul Barreyre, exuded an overwhelming sense of gentleness, creating a cinematic experience against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset and elegantly set tables. Although I did not understand the lyrics, music is a universal language—I could feel the emotion in her songs. The dinner was amazing, and I got to meet more people from other parts of the world. I was seated with the US and Korean media, and we had a very lively exchange, making this a fun dinner.
This trip was more than just an event; it was a deeply enriching experience, showcasing the dedication and creativity of the Hermès team in curating a once-in-a-lifetime journey. I must reiterate how deeply I appreciate this. Of course, I have been to other fancy media trips, but most other brands shower you with luxury, putting us up in over-the-top six-star hotels and dining at star-studded restaurants. But this trip was different. If I look past these things, I can see the tremendous amount of effort put into organizing and curating this trip. Every detail was impressive, and I can truly call this a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I am very certain there is no way I (or anyone) can replicate what we experienced. Thank you to the team.
