Hermès Unveils a Rain-Soaked Spectacle in Paris
In the world of luxury fashion, Hermès is a symbol of ageless elegance and sophistication. Every Hermès line exemplifies subtle elegance, with flawless craftsmanship, sumptuous leathers, and muted color palettes. The fall 2024 show was no exception, delivering a stunning display of Parisian style with a dash of functionality and creativity.
Creative director Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski's fall 2024 collection, named "The Rider," was inspired by Paris' wet streets and the effortlessly elegant women who live there. The runway, set against a backdrop of synthetic rain cascading from the sky, reflected the city's metropolitan surroundings, creating a fascinating aura that captured the audience from the time the first model stepped out.
The collection began with a sequence of beautiful chocolate brown leathers, including cropped jackets, knee-length skirts, slim belted trench coats, and cut pants. Each outfit radiated classic sophistication, meticulously crafted for the modern woman on the go. According to the show notes, Vanhee-Cybulski aimed to capture "moments of movement, forever frozen in a flash," illustrating scenarios from urban life like calling a taxi or checking one's watch.
Throughout the show, a color palette dominated by muted greys and buttery yellows provided warmth and softness to the collection, perfectly matching the rainy day look. However, it was the unexpected splashes of color that grabbed the show, with brilliant cherry reds and rich fluffs making a strong statement on the runway. These vibrant hues lent a whimsical twist to the usually somber palette, instilling vibrancy and energy in the collection.
In addition to the stunning leather items, the collection included functional features built to survive the elements. Toughened-up leather riding boots gave rain-resistant durability, while corduroy and studded biker jackets lent a tough edge inspired by the equestrian world. Vanhee-Cybulski's attention to detail was visible throughout the collection, from the delicate stitching to the creative use of materials.
One of the show's highlights was the unexpected use of fake rain pouring from the ceiling, creating a stunning scene that entranced the crowd and gave a bit of whimsy to the proceedings. As the models walked out to the energetic melody of "Never Say Never" by Romeo Void, the dazzling rain acted as a reminder of nature's beauty and unpredictability, grounding the collection in reality while raising it to new heights of craftsmanship and innovation.