Story of by Editor-at-Large CAROLINA OGLIARO
Hermès Fall/Winter 2025: The Ultimate Masterclass in Quiet Luxury
Where Equestrian Heritage Meets Urban Power
There are brands, and then there is Hermès, a name that whispers luxury rather than shouts it. It’s not about trends; it’s about a way of life, a quiet confidence that speaks through impeccable craftsmanship, timeless design, and a deep respect for heritage. And for Fall/Winter 2025, Hermès did what it does best: deliver an effortlessly powerful wardrobe for those who don’t chase fashion, they define it.
Under the creative direction of Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski, the collection took us on a journey where the house’s equestrian DNA was reimagined for the modern urban explorer. This wasn’t just a fashion show, it was a lesson in refinement, precision, and ease.
The Art of Understated Power Dressing
Set against a dirt-covered runway at the Garde Républicaine, the show immediately transported us to the brand’s equestrian roots. But instead of leaning into nostalgia, Hermès gave classic elegance a contemporary attitude. The silhouettes were structured yet fluid, tailored yet relaxed, striking that rare balance between authority and nonchalance.
Short coats were sharply cut, their lines exuding a quiet strength. Wide-leg trousers moved with a confident flow, while sleek leather ensembles reaffirmed the house’s mastery of the material. This was power dressing without the need forlogos or theatrics, just pure, distilled luxury.
Textures That Whisper, Not Scream
At Hermès, it’s never just about what you see, it’s about what you feel. This season, textures played a leading role, wrapping the wearer in a sensory experience of softness, warmth, and structure.
Imagine:
– Fuzzy mohair coats that feel like a gentle embrace.
– Velvet tailoring that catches the light just enough.
– Supple, high-gloss leather—not aggressive, but undeniably commanding.
These weren’t just clothes; they were armor for modern minimalism, designed for those who understand that true luxury is about touch and movement.
A Palette of Effortless Sophistication
Color is another language that Hermès speaks fluently, and this season was no exception. Deep charcoals, enveloping green, rich browns, and timeless navy set the tone, moody, confident, and endlessly wearable. But then, unexpected jolts of blood orange and soft vanilla emerged, proving that even in a world of restraint, there’s room for moments of boldness.
This is not a collection that competes for attention. It’s the one that lingers in your mind long after the runway lights have dimmed.
Equestrian Geometry: The Print Revolution
While Hermès is known for its understated elegance, this season saw a bold play with patterns. Inspired by jockey silks and racing culture, the collection featured sharp chevrons, angular patchwork, and Art Deco-inspired motifs. Oversized turtlenecks carried graphic color-blocking, while shawl-collar jackets reinterpreted classic horse-riding aesthetics for the contemporary wardrobe.
Accessories: The Final Word in Discretionary Opulence
And then, there were the accessories, the quiet power moves of this collection. The Haut à Courroies bags in Evercalf leather, and the Garden Party Voyage totes in printed H canvas, weren’t just bags, they were artisanal statements.
Jewelry stayed minimal yet intentional, polished palladium and calfskin, designed not to overwhelm but to refine. The footwear? Ankle boots with notched soles in the softest calfskin, straddling the line between rugged and impossibly chic.
The Verdict: A Wardrobe for the Connoisseur
This isn’t a collection for those who need to be seen. It’s for those who command attention without asking for it. Every piece is a lesson in timeless dressing, crafted for those who understand that true luxury isn’t about excess, it’s about intention.
With Fall/Winter 2025, Hermès reminds us that power isn’t loud. It’s quiet, self-assured, and built to last.
