May 22, 2012

Hermès: Lost in Translation

memorial dayI am not sure that Hermès has a clear understanding of what the upcoming Memorial Day holiday is about. It is about remembering those who have died in service to our country. Not really about refreshing memories.

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22 comments:

  1. Vintage MaisonMay 22, 2012 at 11:18 AM

    That reminds me - I live near Nontron where there is a Hermes factory. My friend went in to ask if she could buy their seconds and was promptly escorted off the premises with 'Madame! Hermes does NOT have seconds for sale!'.

    The French celebrate several Memorial days: 29th April for Deportées, 8th May Victory 1945/WWII, 11th November Armistice 1918/ WWI. When we turned up on Nov 11 with our (British) red poppies, none of the local French knew what they were for. They do now.

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    1. Pigtown*DesignMay 22, 2012 at 11:21 AM

      That's a great story! I think that Hermès has a little business where they make funny one-off items from scraps.

      We don't do the 11/11 with the poppies over here, but I always wear one.

      Delete
  2. Rebecca GraceMay 22, 2012 at 12:58 PM

    That's funny. Let's contact Hermes and offer our services as American cultural consultants to their marketing department. They can pay us in scarves...

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  3. The French TangerineMay 22, 2012 at 1:18 PM

    OMG! I literally thought the same exact thing! I usually think their ads are so clever and adorable and look forward to seeing what they come up with, but this one threw me!
    Jan

    PS I'm with Rebecca!

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    1. Pigtown*DesignMay 22, 2012 at 4:11 PM

      I love their ads, but they totally missed the mark on this one!

      Delete
  4. smrMay 22, 2012 at 8:31 PM

    One can try too hard to make an impression !

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    1. Pigtown*DesignMay 23, 2012 at 1:51 PM

      I usually have a good impression of Hermès!

      Delete
    2. smrMay 23, 2012 at 6:24 PM

      I do also , Caleche is my favourite perfume.

      Delete
  5. smrMay 22, 2012 at 8:35 PM

    In Australia rosemary is worn on 25th April which is Anzac Day. Anzac Day remembers Australians and New Zealanders who fought at Gallipoli in 1915.

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  6. KarenaMay 23, 2012 at 8:12 AM

    Is this now their target market?! I'm surprised his cap isn't on backwards! Good Grief! (no pun intended)

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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    1. Pigtown*DesignMay 23, 2012 at 1:52 PM

      Ha! I can't imagine their target market consists of slacker-looking dudes!

      Delete
  7. maryMay 23, 2012 at 11:21 AM

    Hi Meg,---Yep, I think they got that one a little twisted. Perhaps it is our fault for not focusing on the true purpose of Memorial Day--it is a day to remember and also a day that we should be with our families and friends and giving thanks for what we have and not off with a beer in our hand looking silly and superficial. At least that is what I think-- Mary

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    1. Pigtown*DesignMay 23, 2012 at 1:53 PM

      I don't think too many people know the real meaning of either Memorial Day or Labour Day.

      Delete
  8. peggy braswellMay 23, 2012 at 11:45 AM

    That add is unbelievable! You are so right on, Meg. While we are on the subject of Hermes(we are, aren't we?) the H blanket draped over the couch, ottoman & bed in pictures is getting a little overdone. Just saying! xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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    1. Pigtown*DesignMay 23, 2012 at 1:54 PM

      That said, Peggy, if I had an Hermès blanket, I'd drape it everywhere! Including over my shoulders...

      Delete
  9. AnonymousMay 23, 2012 at 11:50 AM

    Or, maybe it is a brilliant commentary on how most Americans have forgotten the purpose of Memorial Day. It seems that too many think it is a day for lounging, cook outs and sales. I'd like to assume that this is commentary more than misunderstanding, but that is probably wishful thinking.

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  10. Kay dancingbrushpainting.blogspot.comMay 23, 2012 at 12:53 PM

    Thank you for posting this to remind us all. I like the 'Rosemary for remembrance' comment. Think I'll wear a sprig of rosemary Monday!

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    1. Pigtown*DesignMay 23, 2012 at 1:55 PM

      My sister does PR for a Fallen Soldiers day on Memorial Day, so I've always been very aware of what the day means.

      Delete
  11. suzanne hillMay 24, 2012 at 10:39 AM

    I think refresh means revisit - and therefore works for me!

    Suzanne on St. Simons

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