Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory
April 2024
For the opening of Hermès Princeton, David Stark Design transformed a celebratory dinner at the Institute for Advanced Study into the Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory: a whimsical world of color theory, culinary experimentation, and poetic brand play.
Astarte Creative was brought in to cast, style, and develop the living characters inside the laboratory. Our performers became the scientists of the evening: greeters, guides, researchers, and color obsessives, each engaged in the highly serious, highly unserious mission of discovering the perfect orange, along with every other shade in the spectrum.
The characters gave guests a way into the concept. They welcomed arrivals, sparked conversation, conducted playful “experiments,” and helped make the room feel active before dinner ever began. Each scientist was given a distinct profile, visual language, and interactive point of view, allowing the performance to feel specific, strange, and fully embedded in the world David Stark Design had created.
The result was a room that felt alive as soon as guests arrived: a playful, highly detailed laboratory where performance helped guests understand the world they had stepped into, and gave the Hermès story a human, humorous, and beautifully strange point of contact.
RED SCIENTIST - ERIK
Name: Dr. Scarlett Vermillion
Title: Director of Red Spectrum Research
Affiliation: Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory
Bio:
Dr. Scarlett Vermillion is a pioneering color scientist and the esteemed Director of Red Spectrum Research at the Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory. Nestled in the heart of Coloropolis, the lab operates under the visionary leadership of the legendary Dr. R.G. Biv, and is the epicenter of innovation in the pursuit of perfect hues.
A native of the vibrant Crimson Cliffs, Dr. Vermillion's passion for red began with her early childhood experiments with berry stains and sunset palettes. She earned her Ph.D. in Chromatic Chemistry from the prestigious Palette University, where her dissertation, "Red: The Dance of Light and Molecules," earned international accolades and a patent for her formula of an everlasting crimson dye.
Dr. Vermillion's quest for the perfect shade of red, which she affectionately calls the "Ultimate Vermillion," has led to revolutionary developments in the field of color stability and hue saturation. Her work not only explores the visual impact of reds but delves into their psychological effects, theorizing that the perfect red can energize and empower like no other color.
Her research has yielded several acclaimed publications, including her famous series, "The Vermillion Spectrum," which maps the emotional resonance of over 500 shades of red. At the Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory, she oversees a team of vibrant and dedicated researchers, each contributing to the colorful quest of Dr. Biv's dreams.
Outside the lab, Dr. Vermillion is an avid salsa dancer and fabric collector, always on the lookout for textiles that might reveal the next great shade of red. Her office is a museum of reds, from the palest pink to the deepest maroon, each telling a story of discovery and delight.
ORANGE SCIENTIST - ALICE
Name: Dr. Amber Citrine
Title: Chief Orangeologist
Affiliation: Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory
Bio:
Dr. Amber Citrine is the celebrated Chief Orangeologist at the Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory, a world-renowned institution led by the color visionary Dr. R.G. Biv. This unique laboratory, nestled in the picturesque city of Coloropolis, is dedicated to the exploration and perfection of color in all its forms.
Originally from the sunny coast of Tangerinia, Dr. Citrine's fascination with orange began with her childhood hobby of collecting seashells and sunsets, fueling her desire to capture their ephemeral beauty in a permanent hue. She pursued her studies in Color Chemistry at the illustrious Rainbow Institute, where her innovative research on the "Fluorescence of Citrus Hues'' earned her a Ph.D. with honors.
Dr. Citrine's relentless pursuit of the perfect orange—a color she believes holds the energy of the sun and the serenity of a sunset—has led her across the globe, from the saffron fields of Sardinia to the coral reefs of the Coral Sea. Her notable discoveries include the "Citrine Spectrum," a patented scale that categorizes over three hundred shades of orange, each analyzed for its vibrancy and emotional impact.
At the Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory, Dr. Citrine leads a dynamic team in the Orange Division, exploring innovative dye technologies and pigment stabilization techniques. Her work has profound implications not only for fashion and design but also for therapeutic environments, where the right shade of orange can enhance mood and well-being.
When she's not in the lab or jet-setting to her next color expedition, Dr. Citrine enjoys gourmet cooking and pottery, often experimenting with glazes to find that elusive perfect orange. Her office is a kaleidoscope of orange shades, reflecting her vibrant spirit and ongoing quest to add just a little more color to the world.
YELLOW SCIENTIST - FABRICIO
Name: Dr. Leo Sunray
Title: Director of Yellow Light Spectrum Research
Affiliation: Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory
Bio:
Dr. Leo Sunray is a luminary in the field of color science as the Director of Yellow Light Spectrum Research at the esteemed Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory. Positioned in the heart of Coloropolis, under the visionary leadership of Dr. R.G. Biv, this lab is a hub for the meticulous pursuit of chromatic perfection.
Hailing from the golden dunes of Aurum Valley, Dr. Sunray's lifelong intrigue with yellow began with his childhood explorations under the vast, sunlit skies. His academic journey led him to earn a Ph.D. in Light and Color Dynamics from Spectrum University, where his thesis on "The Influence of Light on Yellow Pigments" set new standards in color research.
Dr. Sunray’s mission to find the perfect yellow, which he terms "Solar Flare Yellow," is driven by his belief that the right shade can illuminate minds and invigorate spirits. His research has taken him from the fields of blooming sunflowers in Van Gogh's Arles to the neon lights of Tokyo, studying natural and artificial yellows alike.
Under Dr. Sunray's guidance, the Yellow Light Spectrum division at the laboratory has pioneered developments in pigment technology and light absorption, significantly impacting industries ranging from automotive to fashion. His team’s efforts have led to the creation of "Sunray Scale," a comprehensive chart that identifies and categorizes over 200 unique shades of yellow.
Dr. Sunray's work has not only been featured in numerous academic journals but also in popular media, highlighting the cultural and psychological significance of yellow. Beyond the lab, Dr. Sunray is an enthusiastic landscape photographer and jazz musician, often seen capturing the golden hour or improvising in hues of bebop and swing.
His office, a bright array of yellows ranging from pale lemon to deep amber, serves as a daily testament to his dedication and vibrant approach to life and science.
GREEN SCIENTIST - NICK
Name: Dr. Viridian Forrest
Title: Green Spectrum Research Lead
Affiliation: Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory
Bio:
Dr. Viridian Forrest serves as the Green Spectrum Research Lead at the Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory, located in the vibrant city of Coloropolis, under the innovative leadership of the illustrious Dr. R.G. Biv. This facility is the epicenter of global efforts to capture and perfect the essence of every conceivable color.
Born in the lush, verdant regions of Evergreen Valley, Dr. Forrest's fascination with green started from his early years spent wandering through dense, leafy forests and overgrown meadows. He pursued his higher education in Environmental and Color Chemistry at the prestigious University of Chromatica, where his thesis on "Photosynthesis and Pigment: The Interplay of Light and Life" was awarded numerous accolades.
Driven by a passion to replicate the calming and healing shades of green seen in nature, Dr. Forrest is on a quest to discover "Emerald Zen," a hue he believes has the power to rejuvenate the soul and refresh the mind. His research has taken him from the ancient mossy ruins of the Celtic Highlands to the deep jungles of the Amazon, each expedition bringing him closer to his goal.
At the Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory, Dr. Forrest leads the Green Spectrum division, working on groundbreaking pigment stabilization methods and light-reflecting technologies. His work has significant implications across multiple sectors, including healthcare, where therapeutic greens can significantly impact patient recovery environments.
Dr. Forrest is also an advocate for sustainable color production, ensuring that his research supports ecological balance and environmental preservation. His leisure activities include botanical gardening and nature photography, where he captures the myriad forms of green that inspire his scientific endeavors.
BLUE SCIENTIST - TJ
Name: Dr. Azure Marino
Title: Head of Blue Hue Innovation
Affiliation: Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory
Bio:
Dr. Azure Marino is the acclaimed Head of Blue Hue Innovation at the Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory, nestled in the dynamic city of Coloropolis, where the legendary Dr. R.G. Biv steers a visionary course towards color perfection. The lab is renowned as a global beacon for pioneering color research.
Originating from the serene coastal town of Azure Bay, Dr. Marino's lifelong romance with blue began with the endless horizons of sea and sky that framed his youth. He pursued his academic career in Optical Chemistry at the University of Spectrum, where his groundbreaking dissertation on "The Absorption Spectrum of Aquatic Blues" garnered international recognition and several prestigious awards.
Dr. Marino's quest for the "Ultimate Azure" drives his research—a shade of blue that perfectly captures the essence of tranquility and depth found in the world’s deepest oceans. His journey has led him to explore the icy depths of the Arctic and the sapphire waters of the Mediterranean, studying natural phenomena and ancient dyes alike.
Under his leadership, the Blue Hue Innovation team at the laboratory focuses on developing sustainable methods of pigment extraction and dye creation, with implications for industries from fashion to automotive. His team has innovated a range of blues that have been critically acclaimed for their vibrancy and emotional resonance.
Dr. Marino's work extends beyond the laboratory into environmental activism, advocating for the protection of oceanic habitats which inspire his research. He is also a passionate sailor and underwater photographer, hobbies that keep him intimately connected to the color blue.
His office is a reflection of his pursuits, adorned with a spectrum of blues from cerulean to midnight, and filled with photographs and artifacts from his marine expeditions, serving as a daily inspiration in his quest for the perfect blue.
TURQUOISE SCIENTIST - KATIE
Name: Dr. Teal Lagoon
Title: Turquoise Tint Specialist
Affiliation: Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory
Bio:
Dr. Teal Lagoon is the distinguished Turquoise Tint Specialist at the Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory, strategically located in the bustling Coloropolis. This laboratory is famed for its dedication to perfecting every imaginable hue under the guidance of the renowned Dr. R.G. Biv.
Born on the picturesque shores of Aqua Isle, Dr. Lagoon's obsession with turquoise began with the shimmering waters of her homeland. She excelled academically, earning her Ph.D. in Mineralogical Color Dynamics from the esteemed Spectrum University, where her thesis on "The Reflective Properties of Turquoise in Natural Light" revolutionized the understanding of mineral-based pigments.
Dr. Lagoon's professional quest is to discover and synthesize "Lagoon Bliss," a shade of turquoise that embodies the tranquility and invigorating essence of a tropical escape. Her research has taken her from the turquoise mines of the Sinai Peninsula to the cerulean waters of the Caribbean, studying both geological and aquatic influences on coloration.
At the Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory, Dr. Lagoon leads a vibrant team dedicated to the exploration of turquoise. They employ advanced spectroscopic techniques and sustainable extraction methods to develop new pigments that are both vivid and environmentally friendly. Their work has profound implications across various domains, including interior design and fashion, where the perfect turquoise can set trends and evoke deep emotional responses.
Dr. Lagoon is also an advocate for the conservation of coral reefs and coastal regions, integrating environmental consciousness into her research and development efforts. In her free time, she is an avid scuba diver and landscape painter, pursuits that fuel her passion for turquoise and inspire her scientific endeavors.
PURPLE SCIENTIST - GABRIELLE
Name: Dr. Violet Mauvewood
Title: Purple Spectrum Authority
Affiliation: Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory
Bio:
Dr. Violet Mauvewood is the esteemed Purple Spectrum Authority at the Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory, centrally located in the colorful heart of Coloropolis. This institution, under the visionary leadership of the celebrated Dr. R.G. Biv, is renowned for its innovative pursuit of perfecting hues across the color spectrum.
Raised among the lavender fields of Purpura Valley, Dr. Mauvewood's fascination with purple began in her childhood, influenced by the vivid and varied shades surrounding her home. She pursued her studies in Organic Chemistry and Color Theory at the renowned University of Chromatica, where her pioneering thesis on "Anthocyanin Pigments and Their Stability in Various Light Conditions" earned her a Ph.D. with distinction.
Dr. Mauvewood's professional quest is to engineer "Imperial Amethyst," a shade of purple that embodies the majesty and mystique of ancient royalty while maintaining modern vibrancy. Her extensive research has taken her from the vineyards of Tuscany to the mineral-rich mountains of Afghanistan, studying the natural sources of purple pigments.
At the Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory, Dr. Mauvewood leads the Purple Spectrum division, focusing on the synthesis of durable and luminescent purples. Her work is critical for applications in high-fashion textiles and responsive screen displays, where depth and luminosity of color are paramount.
Beyond her scientific achievements, Dr. Mauvewood is a passionate advocate for the arts, believing that color can bridge the gap between science and creative expression. She is an active member of several art councils and often lectures on the significance of color in historical and contemporary art.
In her leisure time, Dr. Mauvewood enjoys botanical illustration and participating in medieval reenactment societies, activities that reflect her love for history and the natural world.
PINK SCIENTIST - SCOTT
Name: Dr. Jasper Carnation
Title: Chief Pinkologist
Affiliation: Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory
Bio:
Dr. Jasper Carnation is the Chief Pinkologist at the Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory, located in the vibrant city of Coloropolis. This prestigious institution, led by the esteemed Dr. R.G. Biv, is celebrated for its groundbreaking work in the science of color.
Born in the lush, rose-covered hills of Floratown, Dr. Carnation's passion for pink was influenced by the blooming landscapes of his childhood. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Spectroscopy from the renowned Institute of Chromatic Studies, where his innovative research on "The Impact of Ultraviolet Light on Pink Pigments" garnered significant academic acclaim.
Dr. Carnation's professional mission is to synthesize "Blossom Pink," a shade that embodies the joy and serenity of a springtime garden in full bloom. His journey has taken him from the vibrant markets of Morocco, where spices color the streets, to the tranquil cherry blossom festivals of Japan, studying how cultural elements influence color perception.
At the Hermès Chromatic Research Laboratory, Dr. Carnation leads the Pink Spectrum Team, focusing on creating sustainable and emotionally compelling pink hues. His research has important implications for industries ranging from cosmetics to interior design, where the perfect shade of pink can enhance product appeal and consumer satisfaction.
Dr. Carnation is also dedicated to promoting color education, often speaking at conferences and schools about the science of pigments and the psychological effects of colors. He is known for his engaging talks that combine science with visual arts, making complex concepts accessible and exciting.
In his free time, Dr. Carnation enjoys botanical photography and volunteering at community gardens, fostering his connection with nature and his love for the vibrant colors of flowers. His office is a testament to his research and aesthetic sense, adorned with a spectrum of pinks that range from subtle pastels to vivid magentas, each telling a story of his chromatic adventures.
