Famously, Pierre Hardy found out he was receiving France’s highest honor before the official letter even arrived. “A friend in Hong Kong wrote to congratulate me because they saw something in Le Figaro,” the multitalented designer recently recounted. That was nine months ago. Tonight, finally, Hermès artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas will present the medal and red ribbon at a small ceremony followed by a cocktail at the Hermès flagship in Paris.
“Actually, I’m the one receiving the honor, but the reasons for which I’m receiving it are not just about me,” the designer told Vogue.com. “It’s a little too much because my work is hardly a solitary endeavor. I’ve been working with the same people for a long time—they’ve become friends, so this gives me the chance to share it with them, too.”
Asked whether he will actually sport the medal or the famous red barrette on his lapel, Hardy demurred. “It’s really a beautiful object, but I think I’ll only wear it for official events.” He paused. “Actually, I think I’ll wear it when I am really, really old. That way it’ll become an extra arm for seduction!”
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