In an era where digital design is increasingly shaped by automation, templates, and AI-generated visuals, Hermès has taken a refreshingly human approach. The luxury house’s newly redesigned website replaces sleek perfection with hand-drawn illustrations, transforming its digital presence into something that feels more like a living sketchbook than a conventional e-commerce platform. It is a bold reminder that craftsmanship and creativity still hold immense power, even in the most technical spaces.
Rather than chasing hyper-polished digital aesthetics, Hermès leans into imperfection, texture, and personality. The site is infused with bespoke illustrations created by artist Linda Merad that include whimsical characters, marine creatures, and expressive line work that guide users through the experience. These drawings don’t simply decorate the website; they help shape the emotional tone of the brand’s online presence.
What makes this redesign so compelling is how clearly it mirrors the values Hermès has championed for decades. The brand has always celebrated the human hand, from its leather artisans to its silk designers. Bringing that same philosophy to the web feels strategic, yet also authentic. In a landscape where digital design can often feel cold, algorithmic and very similar, Hermès proves that warmth, imagination, and individuality can still thrive online.
There is also a deeper cultural statement embedded in this approach. At a time when many brands are racing to adopt AI-generated visuals for speed and efficiency, Hermès’ hand-drawn website quietly pushes back. It suggests that luxury in the digital age is not about how fast something can be produced, but how thoughtfully it is crafted. The uniqueness of a hand-drawn line, the subtle inconsistencies of a sketched, and the emotional resonance of illustration become signals of humanity in a digital world.
For creative professionals, this project is a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of our artistic voice. It shows that digital experiences do not have to sacrifice humanity for functionality. Instead, technology can become a canvas that amplifies creative expression. Hermès demonstrates that when brands invest in artists and original ideas, the result is not only visually striking but also deeply memorable.
Hermès’ hand-drawn website is not just a redesign; it is a philosophy in motion and a creative statement by the company. By choosing the human hand for it’s images, Hermès has created a digital space that feels unmistakably analogue and comforting.
