Hermès has sparked a backlash among members of London's exclusive Hurlingham Club after the private venue was reportedly closed for a lavish event hosted by the French luxury fashion house.
The South-west London club, a prestigious private members' venue known for its sporting facilities and high-profile clientele, was closed for what was described as a 'very British Garden Party' staged by Hermès. According to the report, it was the first time in the club's history that it had closed in this way, leaving some long-standing members frustrated at being unable to use the venue.
One member described the decision as 'appalling', while another expressed disappointment at being locked out for an entire day. The disruption reportedly extended beyond the closure itself, with works connected to the event affecting access to parts of the club, including the river walk and an area near the croquet facilities.
For members who had waited years to secure their place at the prestigious club, the decision appears to have been particularly frustrating.
A Star-Studded Hermès Celebration
While members were unable to enjoy the club as usual, Hermès' event attracted an impressive guest list from the worlds of entertainment, fashion and high society.
Among those attending was actress Jenna Coleman, who was pictured at the Garden Cocktail event celebrating the opening of the Maison Hermès New Bond Street store. Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath, and Lady Martha Sitwell were also among the guests at the glamorous gathering.
The party celebrated Hermès opening its new Maison 166 store on Bond Street. The luxury brand transformed the occasion into a lavish London gathering, with music providing much of the entertainment.
British musician and broadcaster Jools Holland reportedly took over the piano during the event, while Fatboy Slim performed a DJ set. The celebrity and aristocratic guests in attendance enjoyed the entertainment.
The contrast between the glamorous party and the reaction from some club members has put the Hurlingham Club's relationship with commercial events firmly in the spotlight.
Long-Standing Members Left Frustrated
The Hurlingham Club is particularly exclusive, and the report highlighted just how long some members have waited to join.
Some paying members are said to have waited more than 25 years for their memberships. For those individuals, being unable to access the club for an entire day was understandably frustrating.
One source criticised the decision to accept money from a commercial brand and suggested that the interests of members had been overlooked. Another member said they were 'deeply disappointed' by the arrangement.
The complaints were not limited to the Hermès event. The club is also facing criticism over changes to its sporting facilities, with two tennis courts reportedly being demolished to make room for two new padel courts.
One member described the move as a 'total waste', arguing that padel could quickly fall out of fashion.
The Hurlingham Club was contacted for comment on the concerns raised.
Hermès Brings Luxury and Celebrity Glamour to London
For Hermès, the Hurlingham event formed part of the celebrations surrounding its new Bond Street presence.
The French luxury fashion brand is synonymous with high-end craftsmanship and has long been associated with exclusive events and celebrity clientele. Holding the gathering at one of London's most prestigious private clubs gave the occasion an appropriately upmarket setting.
The guest list reflected that atmosphere, bringing together familiar faces from British entertainment and high society. Jenna Coleman, Emma Thynn and Lady Martha Sitwell were among the notable attendees, while the musical performances from Jools Holland and Fatboy Slim added to the celebratory mood.
Yet the event also highlighted the potential tensions that can arise when a private members' club is used for a major commercial celebration.
Other Celebrity Stories From the Eventful Week
The Hermès controversy was just one of several celebrity stories featured in the same report.
Actress Ophelia Lovibond is preparing to return to the West End in Noel Coward's Hay Fever, marking her first role since welcoming her first child last December. She described returning to rehearsals as 'bliss' and spoke positively about getting back to work.
Meanwhile, Lily James shared photographs of her charity work in Cambodia alongside an image of a self-help book with her millions of Instagram followers.
Welsh singer Charlotte Church also offered followers a glimpse of her garden life, while Tigerlily Taylor, daughter of Queen drummer Roger Taylor, was reported to have been volunteering with marine conservation charity Sea Shepherd.
Pippa Middleton and her husband James Matthews were also reported to be exploring a new venture involving pike fishing after their previous Bucklebury Farm petting zoo project ended.
A Glamorous Event With an Unexpected Controversy
The Hermès celebration at the Hurlingham Club may have been designed as an elegant showcase for the luxury fashion brand. Still, the reported reaction from some members has provided a very different talking point.
With long-standing members reportedly frustrated by the unprecedented closure, the event has raised questions about the balance between commercial opportunities and the expectations of those who pay to belong to an exclusive private club.
For Hermès, the party offered an opportunity to celebrate its new Bond Street store in a distinctly British setting, complete with celebrity guests, aristocratic attendees and live entertainment.
For some Hurlingham Club members, however, the lavish celebration came at the cost of access to a place they had spent years waiting to join.
The controversy therefore adds an unexpected layer to what was otherwise a glamorous Hermès event, turning a luxury fashion celebration into a talking point among the club's loyal membership.
