Priscila Alexandre Spring, the 43-year-old creative director of leather goods at Hermès, shares an intimate perspective on the profound connection between personal narrative and the artistry of bag design. Seated in her office nestled in Pantin, just outside Paris, she reflects on the inherent fusion of one’s private and public personas encapsulated within the essence of a bag.
Having embarked on her journey with Hermès in 2015, Ms. Alexandre Spring ascended to her current role in 2020, tasked with shaping the future of the illustrious brand synonymous with opulence, exclusivity, and impeccable craftsmanship. Renowned for its origins as a saddle maker in 1837, Hermès invokes visions of luxury, rarity, and artisanal mastery, where each creation is meticulously handcrafted by a singular artisan.
Born in Canada and raised in the verdant landscapes of southern Portugal, Ms. Alexandre Spring’s upbringing, steeped in multiculturalism and artistic expression, laid the foundation for her illustrious career. Her parents, both educators, instilled in her a thirst for knowledge and a passion for the arts, fostering fluency in five languages and proficiency in various musical instruments and dance forms.
Transitioning from her early pursuits in sports, notably basketball, to the realm of fashion, Ms. Alexandre Spring pursued studies in fashion design at the Lisbon School of Architecture before embarking on a transcontinental journey across design houses. From Felipe Oliveira Baptista in Portugal to Louis Vuitton in Paris, and eventually to the vibrant streets of New York City, her trajectory was marked by a relentless pursuit of creative expression and collaboration.
In the bustling streets of New York’s East Village, Ms. Alexandre Spring found herself immersed in a dynamic tapestry of creativity, freelancing for esteemed labels such as Marc by Marc Jacobs and later finding a home at the iconic boutique Opening Ceremony. It was in Paris, however, that her creative vision found its true resonance, as she joined forces with luminaries Humberto Leon and Carol Lim at Kenzo, before ultimately settling into her role at Hermès.
For Ms. Alexandre Spring, the design process is akin to a spirited game of pingpong, a harmonious dialogue between designers and artisans. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources, from the graceful contours of equestrian equipment to the sartorial evolution of women’s fashion, each creation embodies a narrative of emancipation and empowerment.
Take, for instance, the Arçon bag, a testament to Ms. Alexandre Spring’s ingenuity, where elements of saddle craftsmanship converge with the ethos of female liberation. Adorned with an angled zip pocket reminiscent of 19th-century skirt pockets, the Arçon seamlessly blends heritage with innovation, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of timeless elegance.
Similarly, the Petite Course bag epitomizes functionality and elegance, catering to the modern-day nomad with its ergonomic design and understated sophistication. Each design iteration undergoes rigorous prototyping and refinement, transforming raw materials into bespoke creations that transcend mere utility.
Behind the scenes, in the hallowed workshops of Hermès, skilled artisans breathe life into each design, their hands weaving tales of tradition and innovation. From the storied Maroquinerie Saint Antoine to workshops adorned with relics of bygone eras, the spirit of craftsmanship endures, infusing each creation with a sense of heritage and legacy.
As Ms. Alexandre Spring divulges glimpses of future endeavors, from vintage doctor bags to experimental forays with ropes, one thing remains certain: the journey of creation is a perpetual odyssey, where innovation thrives on the delicate balance between tradition and evolution. In a world driven by fleeting trends and transient fashions, Hermès stands as a beacon of enduring excellence, a testament to the timeless allure of craftsmanship and creativity.
