Raul De Lara's Hermès Windows Capture the Secret Lives of New York's Homes

Raul De Lara, a sculptor originally from Mexico and now residing in New York City, has designed the newest window displays for the Hermès flagship store on Madison Avenue. His intricately crafted sculptures draw inspiration from nature and home decor, focusing on the idea of 'silent roommates'—the houseplants, furniture, and cherished items that quietly exist within a home. De Lara envisions these objects animatedly interacting in the absence of humans. The displays showcase large wooden leaves carved from white oak, inspired by foliage from his favorite Central Park tree, which he visits each autumn for ideas. Hermès accessories, including a tan Bolide bag on a wooden stool and a silk scarf draped around a giant leaf, are also featured. Known for infusing humor and an uncanny quality into his work, De Lara attributes his storytelling ability in interior spaces to his upbringing in a family of casino decorators, architects, and designers. This collaboration marks his ongoing relationship with Hermès, which began in 2023, and he appreciates the shared dedication to craftsmanship that has enhanced his woodworking skills and aspirations.