Heritage, But with a Twist: Hermès Spring 2026 Offers Practicality with a Chic and Alluring Flair

      Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski, after a decade as the creative director of the French fashion house, has a profound understanding of the Hermès woman and her preferences. In her S/S 26 ready-to-wear collection, unveiled today at Paris Fashion Week, she demonstrated this by blending heritage with a contemporary flair, garnering an overwhelmingly positive response. Enthusiastic fans took to social media to share their excitement, with one commenter on Vogue Runway’s Instagram calling it "the best runway show so far at Paris Fashion Week," while another praised it on Outlander Magazine’s post with, "This is what I want to wear every day. 10/10 collection." The collection was largely unrelated to the iconic Birkin bag, which many associate with the brand as a safer investment than gold. Instead, the focus was on the garments, styling, and setting, which was hosted at the Garde Républicaine, the historic residence of the military corps tasked with safeguarding Paris. Hermès presented 57 looks celebrating the modern equestrian lifestyle. The opening ensemble featured a brown leather bodice harness layered under a leather and canvas long coat, complemented by leather Bermuda shorts and matching riding boots. Silk scarves, referencing the classic carrés introduced in 1937, were styled in unconventional ways. The color scheme adhered to Hermès' sophisticated aesthetic, showcasing muted shades of beige, brown, navy, and black, enhanced with vibrant accents of red, plum, and tangerine. This collection succeeded because of Vanhee-Cybulski's intrinsic grasp of the brand and her ability to honor its craftsmanship legacy while innovating. More details about her spring 2026 collection for Hermès follow.

      A Sandy Walk

      Hermès' equestrian spirit was woven not just into the garments but also into the backdrop, reinforcing the narrative. The runway was entirely covered in sand, reminiscent of riding arenas where sand provides essential traction for horses. In this context, the sand anchored the models' feet, finished with riding boots.

      Soft Armor

      Every equestrian requires protective gear against the elements and potential falls. In her spring collection, Vanhee-Cybulski reinterpreted this notion of armor. Rather than traditional riding helmets or vests, the collection featured leather pieces including maxi skirts, trousers, midi dresses, and padded tops with collars. Harnesses worn over the chest conveyed purpose and strength, while utility-inspired buckles on suspender-style pants and skirts merged practicality with style.

      New It Boots

      Next spring and summer, Hermès' Oran sandals, characterized by the signature "H" cutout, will face competition from a plethora of riding-style boots. Out of 57 looks, 55 showcased these knee-high boots with an asymmetrical collar known as a Spanish topline and smooth lines. Some models paired the all-black leather version with a variety of outfits, while others styled the brownish-green leather version with Bermuda shorts and long suede skirts. The assortment also included a white leather option, embossed variations, all-suede designs, and combinations of canvas and leather, ensuring there's a style for every Hermès woman.

      Everything But the Birkin

      The Hermès show featured two Birkins—one in a refined tan suede and another in a classic brown-and-white leather. However, it was refreshing to see the brand diverge from its signature bag style and introduce new silhouettes for spring. A notable piece was a horseshoe-shaped shoulder bag, carried by models in hand rather than slung over their shoulders. It adorned the brand's iconic clasp hardware and came in rich shades such as tan, dark green, burgundy, and black. The collection also presented sleek leather bucket bags in grained black leather, smooth black leather, and an oversized canvas-leather hybrid, showcased by model Alex Consani. Other highlights included a floral silk top-handle bag—ideal for evening outings—and a stylish bowler bag available in mustard yellow, cherry red, and chocolate brown.

      Prints!

      As spring/summer 2026 fashion month nears its end, prints have been abundant. Khaite showcased polka dots in New York, while Simone Rocha offered soft florals in London. Milan's Missoni highlighted its renowned colorful chevron, and Hermès featured various prints in Paris. The collection included a scarf-inspired red and beige motif pattern on skirt sets, dresses, and outerwear, as well as navy stripes on scarves and bustier tops. Another look featured a button-up shirt with high-waisted shorts in a bold navy and black plaid design.

      Not Just a Silk Scarf

      Hermès' silk scarves are famed for their versatility, commonly worn knotted around the neck or tied to a Birkin handle. However, in the spring 2026 show, the brand presented its scarves in delightfully unexpected fashions. It was first seen rolled up and intertwined with a chain necklace, creating an elegant choker. Later, it was draped around the neck with