Hermès Enters Headphone Market with RM64,000 Luxury Offering
French luxury house Hermès has announced its foray into the high-end headphone market with the unveiling of its new Ateliers Horizons headphones. As expected, staying true to its brand ethos, these headphones are positioned as an exclusive product. Consequently, they target discerning customers who regularly invest in luxury goods.
Design Inspired by Iconic Kelly Bag
Designed by Ateliers Horizons, Hermès’ bespoke division known for producing meticulously crafted, limited-quantity items, the headphones not only reflect luxury craftsmanship but also draw their inspiration from the iconic Kelly bag. This influence, in turn, is evident in the design, particularly through the plush ear cups crafted from soft calfskin as well as matching headband sponges made from the same premium material. The aesthetic also incorporates metallic finishes reminiscent of the Kelly bag’s hardware.
While Hermès has yet to disclose specific details regarding the size of the audio drivers or the battery life of the headphones, a recently shared image provides insights into some of their features. The image suggests that the headphones will offer Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Bluetooth connectivity, and the option for a wired connection via a 3.5mm audio cable. A USB-C port handles charging, while the included USB-A dongle suggests support for low-latency 2.4GHz wireless connectivity.
Premium Price Point and Colour Options
The price point for these luxurious headphones reflects their exclusive nature and handcrafted quality. A pair of the Hermès Ateliers Horizons headphones will retail for $15,000 (approximately RM63,580). Customers will have a choice of several elegant genuine leather colour options, including brown, Prussian blue, Hermès red, and black.
This move marks Hermès’ further expansion into the realm of personal technology, following previous collaborations and the creation of custom audio-related items by Ateliers Horizons. The development of these headphones was a meticulous process spanning over two years, involving a team of approximately 50 artisans within the Ateliers Horizons workshop located just outside Paris.
Focus on Craftsmanship and Exclusivity
Axel de Beaufort, the creative director of Ateliers Horizons since 2012, emphasized the dedication to perfect execution over mass production. He stated that the aim was to create a limited number of impeccably crafted headphones, a process that involved significant learning and refinement.
Availability
Select Hermès boutiques are expected to begin offering the Ateliers Horizons headphones starting this summer.
