Hermès Fall-Winter 2025 Collection at Paris Fashion Week: A Tribute to Equestrian Elegance and Leather Craftsmanship

Paris Fashion Week is a much-anticipated event that showcases the best of haute couture and ready-to-wear collections. Among the most prominent presentations this season, Hermès once again captivated the fashion world with its Fall-Winter 2025 collection, designed by Nadège Vanhee. The collection, marked by its mastery of leather and dark, moody tones, was presented at the Garde Republicaine, the iconic stables of Paris’ mounted police. Models strode confidently down the dirt-covered runway, bringing equestrian-inspired sophistication and power to life in a tribute to Hermès’ storied heritage.

A Sleek Leather Showcase: Mastery in Material and Design

Nadège Vanhee’s Fall-Winter 2025 collection for Hermès was nothing short of a statement in luxurious craftsmanship and elegant simplicity. Leather, one of Hermès’ signature materials, took center stage in a series of pieces that demonstrated both structure and fluidity. The collection’s color palette was dominated by deep, rich tones, with glossy leather coats, trousers, and dresses in dark hues setting the tone for the season.

Long coats lined with felted wool paired with sleek, tight trousers exemplified a perfect marriage of high fashion and functionality. A series of micro shorts, adorned with delicate tassels, and cropped jackets featuring quilted panels reflected Vanhee’s talent for creating bold statements within minimalist design. These garments weren’t merely about visual appeal—they balanced style with comfort, with oversized knit gloves and layered sweaters adding a cozy dimension to the otherwise sharp and structured silhouettes.

A particularly striking element of the collection was the use of zippers running down the backs of coats, a modern and edgy touch that served to juxtapose the otherwise refined shapes. The interplay of textures, from the glossy leather to the soft wool and ribbed knit gloves, demonstrated Hermès’ dedication to quality and innovation in every piece.

A Tribute to Equestrian Elegance: The Show’s Atmosphere and Symbolism

The venue for the Hermès show was a perfect fit for the collection—set in the Garde Republicaine, the famous stables of Paris’ mounted police, the dirt-covered runway became a symbol of both the brand’s equestrian legacy and its contemporary sensibilities. The runway was meticulously prepared, with attendants raking the dirt before each model’s appearance, creating a runway experience that felt ritualistic and deeply connected to Hermès’ equestrian roots.

The collection itself paid a tribute to the elegance of horseback riding and equestrian culture, an integral part of the Hermès brand’s identity. Riding boots with pointed toes—elegantly tall and structured—complemented the flowing, silky hair of the models, while garments were precisely tailored to flatter and move with the body. The fluidity of the fabrics and the sharpness of the tailoring demonstrated Vanhee’s skill in blending contrasting elements of structure and softness, paying homage to the world of equestrian elegance in a distinctly modern way.

The backdrop of the show was equally as important to the overall experience. Reminiscent of a Richard Serra sculpture, the set was made from brown felt, creating a dramatic yet grounded ambiance that allowed the pieces to truly shine. The mood was at once industrial and soft, and this delicate balance between strength and beauty reflected the overarching themes of the collection.

A Palette of Deep Hues and Bold Contrasts: Playing with Texture and Tone

The color palette of Hermès’ Fall-Winter 2025 collection was bold yet subtle, characterized by deep, moody tones that anchored the garments in timeless luxury. Black was the dominant color throughout, providing a perfect canvas for the rich textures and innovative silhouettes that followed. This monochromatic foundation allowed for pops of contrast, particularly through beige pieces that offered a softer balance to the otherwise intense hues.

One of the standout moments in the collection was a striking marbled brown dress, molded into a sculptural silhouette. The unique texture of this piece, alongside its bold use of shape, created a striking visual effect on the runway. However, it was the introduction of a bright green leather coat and matching trouser set that truly injected a burst of vibrancy into the collection. This unexpected pop of color was a bold choice that injected freshness into the otherwise muted tones, demonstrating Vanhee’s ability to push boundaries while staying true to the Hermès ethos.

The mastery of materials was evident as the collection played with different textures. From ribbed knit gloves to wool-lined outerwear, the garments highlighted the intricate craftsmanship that is synonymous with the Hermès brand. The ability to blend these diverse textures into one cohesive collection demonstrated both innovation and respect for tradition.

Paris Fashion Week Highlights: Hermès Among the Icons

Paris Fashion Week continues to be one of the most important events in the global fashion calendar, showcasing the finest collections from the world’s most iconic fashion houses. This season has already seen a range of exciting debuts and presentations, with designers such as Haider Ackermann for Tom Ford and Sarah Burton for Givenchy making their much-anticipated runway appearances. These shows, along with Hermès’ stunning collection, further cement Paris’ role as the epicenter of high fashion.

The runway presentations this season have been nothing short of star-studded, with industry giants such as Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Saint Laurent unveiling their latest collections. Designers like Victoria Beckham and Stella McCartney also contributed to the high-profile showcases, underscoring the incredible influence Paris Fashion Week continues to exert over global style trends.

Hermès, with its Fall-Winter 2025 collection, stands out as one of the most compelling shows of the week. The timeless elegance of its designs, the innovative use of leather, and the homage to equestrian heritage combined to create a collection that truly defines luxury and sophistication. Vanhee’s vision was clear: this was a collection for the modern woman who exudes both power and grace.