Hermès presents an annual theme as a concept. After the previous ‘Beautiful Escape’, ‘Tales to Be Told’ draws us to stories related to the French luxury house.

PRINCESS IN THE FAIRY TALE
The surreal binded-book-like set design puts one into a fairytale state of mind. First comes Cinderella castle, filled with womens shoe collection by Pierre Hardy — Antinea soft calf sandal with criss-cross straps, Ambre in lightweight nappa leather and light blue soft calf Attraction. It is a Hermès kind of Bohemia.
 
The brand new leather hand bag brings out the girlie side of the most sophisticated women. Palm size Constance Elan is inspired by Catherine Chaillet’s daughter born in 1968. The details are made to perfection, including its ‘H’ buckle and straps. The latest version of Constance Elan is slimer, complete with compartment and pocket inside.
 

Polochon 1925 is also relaunched with mini versions — soft cylinder shape, pink Swift calf, it is certainly something for our little princess. The design is now made in red and pink palette, recalling magical memories of many summer parties.
 
Barenia is designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, taking horse-riding as his inspiration. The exaggerated shapes are based on classic Hermès horse riding apparel. In the fashion accessories category, the classic is seamlessly merged into the contemporary. Vietnamese lacquer painting technique is also re-introduced and applied on the duo-colour wooden bangles — over ten layers on each, no less. The result is a feminine vision with an edge.

SILK STORY
Silk scarves are adnored with classic Hermès emblems. ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, ‘Le Maistre Chat’, ‘The Princess and the Pea’ and ‘The Little Mermaid’ are re-interpreted by illustrator Agathe Gonnet, as the artwork for Hermès scarves this season. In Gonnet’s work, little red riding hood puts her arms around the grey wolf, smiling. The writing in French next to the two says ‘friendship forever’, a postmodern statement perhaps?

HERMÈS HOMME
Véronique Nichanian, the label’s Artistic Director for mens, reinterprets the Swift soft calf belt. Subtlety being the key, the detail being the ‘buckle’ is now a decoration and the belt is attached on the other side — available in grey, chestnut, light chestnut, charcoal and black. The Trivire shoe is a lightweight soft calf Moccasin. Bohemia channels throughout the collection, dominated by soft calf and rope-strap sandals.

HAT IN THE WONDERLAND
The hats are also in classic style, reinterpretted in towel and linen. Nappa leather hat with ribbon triming is also a highlight.

Text: Stephen Lee | Translation: dilettante
Photo Courtesy: Hermès
Update: 15 Apr 2010

HERMÈS
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