At a time when Instagram has drastically changed the way most luxury brands operate, Hermès, the French brand known for its equestrian ideology, has long remained dedicated to one idea above all—craftsmanship. You would never find overt logos on Hermès clothing or branded ‘It’ bags; instead you will see finesse and dexterity that reflects in its designs. It’s also come to be known for its saddles and silks scarves under the leadership of its CEO Axel Dumas. At the Paris Fashion Week Hermès Fall 2020 show, Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski, who has been directing Hermès’ women’s ready-to-wear collections since 2014, presented everything that’s close to the roots of the brand—blanket coats, polo shirt dresses, vibrant yet classic cardigans and overcoats made through the lens of her minimalistic vision. All with a play of primary colours—something that was also translated into the scenography of show.
With trench coats in tawny caramel leather to darker shades of brown and white overcoats, pleated dresses and skirts along with jackets with shearling collars, the collection was outdoorsy and was meant for someone who does not want to wear a rugged a pair of denims while she’s venturing out. Above all, Cybulski’s quest for minimalism, which has been nurtured previously at fashion houses like The Row, Céline and Maison Martin Margiela, for her fall 2020 presentation was driven by utility. And, in the end, as pointed out in the press note, a balance was found.
