54 posts tagged "Hermes"
Hermès Horses Around in Le Grand Palais
Paris’ Grand Palais may be synonymous with Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel spectacles, but—little-known fact—one of the venue’s original purposes was to showcase the equestrian arts. This past weekend, Hermès and some four-legged friends gave the Kaiser a run for his money by doing just that. The storied house hosted its fourth annual Saut Hermès—a top-level, gasp-inducing show-jumping competition with about $600,000 in prize money up for grabs. Hermès used the occasion to officially launch its Cavale saddle—an advanced design crafted collaboratively between artisan, rider, and veterinarian. Hermès, which was once as well known for its horse gear as its Birkins and Kellys, aims to regain its footing as the premiere source for professional show-jumping equipment. “It is my dream for Hermès to become top of mind to riders worldwide,” said Marion Bardet, director of the label’s equestrian program. It would seem that the brand is well on its way. In addition to saddles, Hermès also offers an equestrian apparel line. Tasked with designing the uniforms for France’s show-jumping team at the London 2012 Olympics, the house seeks to combine practical elements with its famed artistry. “Their clothes are obviously beautiful, but technical as well,” said Nick Dello Joio, one of a select few brand-sponsored riders. “I use everything Hermès.”
Trotting in Time
Last night’s celebration of Hermès’ new Dressage Chrono timepieces was an exercise in precision. Things kicked off at the Baryshnikov Arts Center, where Time in Motion—a ballet created specifically for Hermès—was performed by choreographer David Drouard and dancer Sandra Savin. The pas de deux played with concepts of time—the dancers would speed up and slow down, and their movements were accentuated by digital projections of the new watches. Afterward, guests such as Shala Monroque and Kelly Rutherford weren’t too keen on walking through the rain to dinner, which was a block away. But as they stepped out of the theater, partygoers were instantly greeted by a troop of handsome gents armed with huge Hermès orange umbrellas—talk about good timing.
At dinner, the exquisite watch display was rivaled by cheval projections in the elevator, a live watchmaker tinkering in the middle of the cocktail area, and curio tablescapes inspired by the house’s equestrian heritage. “The dance was incredible, and tonight was really seamless,” Waris Ahluwalia told Style.com. “As a designer, you always need something to look up to. Hermès has always been, for me, the barometer of craft and quality.”
Calm, Cool, Collected
After covering 400-something collections over the past month and a half, we’re finally settling back into our office chairs and putting together the season’s big themes. Reflecting on our favorite moments from the Fall shows, there’s a consensus here at Style.com that the season’s sparest, simplest looks were the strongest. Derek Lam, Chloé’s Clare Waight Keller, and Christophe Lemaire at Hermès were among those who rose above the notion of trends to turn out classic suits, clean blouses, and crisp trousers. Their clothes had the direct, no-fuss appeal of uniforms.
Perhaps designers’ pared-down proposals were a playful jab at flashy street-style scenesters. Are those girls starting to resemble characters out of a comic book, or what? Maybe, just maybe a few of the oft-photographed types outside of Lincoln Center and in the Tuileries will take a back-to-basics approach next time around. A girl can dream, right?
CLICK FOR A SLIDESHOW of Fall’s best anti-fashion fashion.
On Our Radar: Barneys’ Vintage Boutique
‘Tis the season for post-holiday discounts. But while you’re shopping the sales in Midtown, or returning that sweater from Aunt Sally that didn’t quite tickle your fancy, we suggest taking a peek at Barneys’ new vintage boutique. Launched in November, the well-kept secret stocks hard-to-find items like vintage Birkin, Kelly, and Chanel bags and eighties and ninties gold jewelry from YSL (a giant Egyptian-style gold necklace was our pick), Chanel (like kitschy gold bag-shaped earrings, belts, and bracelets) and Givenchy (a pair of gold disk clip-ons was particularly appealing). Tucked away in a quiet corner on the Madison Avenue flagship’s main floor, Barneys’ treasure-trove of vintage wares is basically a nineties Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele shoot come to life (left). And there’s a healthy price range, too, starting around $250 for earrings and skyrocketing above $20k for a gently (or in some cases, never) used Hermès bag.
Barneys’ Vintage Boutique is located in their New York flagship at 660 Madison Avenue, NYC. (212) 826-8900
Get The Look: Graphic Grunge
Australian model Catherine McNeil popped up on more than a few Spring 2013 runways, walking in Paris at Saint Laurent, Hermès, Kenzo, Isabel Marant, and more, as well as Helmut Lang in New York. With her piercing stare and fresh, choppy bob, McNeil has been one to watch around the Style.com offices. But it’s not just her runway look that’s put her on our radar—her off-duty duds have caught our eye, too. Snapped in Paris by Vanessa Jackman, McNeil sported a graphic sweater and leather miniskirt with edgy motorcycle booties and an Isabel Marant jacket thrown over her shoulder. We’ve rounded up the essentials below because—minus the cigarette—this getup’s worth repeating.
From top left, below:
1. Isabel Marant leather jacket, $3,075, available at www.matchesfashion.com
2. Proenza Schouler embroidered sweatshirt, $1,500, available at www.lagarconne.com
3. Alexander Wang combat boot, $625, available at www.neimanmarcus.com
4. Elin Kling x Marciano skirt, $398, available at www.guessbymarciano.guess.com