Linda Merad's Surreal Illustrations for Hermès Bring Whimsical Characters to Fashion Campaigns

Paris-based illustrator Linda Merad has created a series of whimsical illustrations for Hermès, featuring surreal characters like kissing shoes and hats on legs. In 2025, Hermès invited Merad to share her work on Instagram, giving her creative freedom to incorporate brand products into her illustrated universe. Her first carousel in September 2025 centered on love themes, followed by October illustrations showcasing Hermès hats. Merad's style, developed through weekly lithography workshops started in 2021, uses simple lines and expert color choices. For Hermès's 2026 New Year campaign themed 'L'appel du large' (Venture beyond), she produced hand-drawn sketches with pen and India ink, set against sea backdrops. These were animated in collaboration with French animator Quentin Klein, expanding into a website takeover in early January 2026. The project included an underwater banner and 12 icons for product categories, with Merad working full-time from a November briefing to a mid-December deadline. She notes the collaboration was a joyful departure from her typically solitary work, with Hermès respecting her artistic style. Merad's commercial practice also includes editorial commissions for The New York Times and The New Yorker.