THE orange flicker of roaring flames upon the black Parisian sky created the perfect backdrop for the Hermès Fall 2018 menswear show. In a medieval fantasy – the Hermès models graced the cobbled runway of an old French monastery, narrowly dodging the embers which spitted and hissed through the wind. Incongruous to the setting was the refinement of a collection which boasted wealth and superiority.
As standard, it was heavy on shearling, crisp tailoring and a rich assortment of fabrics. While sophistication may ordinarily be compromised by untucked shirts and fuchsia pink peeking from beneath knits, these traits worked superbly in keeping with the relaxed smartness of Hermès. The key takeaways were the cobalt blue of turtlenecks and trousers, the extra-large cashmere sweaters and of course, the star of the show – a crocodile parka in the tastiest nut brown.
Such luxury materials spark the ingredients of a collection assembled to last for the foreseeable, for the everyday attire of a well-dressed male. Hats off to the models who kept so cool and collected in a setting which posed as a potential fire hazard.
by Grace Calton