Designer Christopher Lemaire re-imagines a the traveling woman, a familiar character who has inspired countless designers. Straying away from the age-old international jet setter representation, this season’s Hermès woman is a trans-Saharan Bedouin whose wardrobe is the picture of chic functionality.
Nomadic practicality was the call for the first batch of looks, with flowy white, robe-like frocks offset by head scarves, tied with purpose. But, as is characteristic of this travelling woman, once she arrives at her destination, she changes her clothes.
Boxy menswear jackets and blazers act as a foil to the femininity of crisp, starchy pleated dresses. Lemaire pairs oversized utilitarian jackets with springtime staples like button downs and shorts, all with exploded proportions. Shorts hems skim the top of the knees, and sleeves graze the forearms.
Dresses later trade their flowy, virginal silhouettes opting for slick, body hugging shapes. Deep plums, forest greens, and navy blues anchor mauves, rich violets and royal blues in jewel-toned hues. Keeping to the tradition of the design house’s famed silk scarves, Lemaire adds a dash of print for good measure.
Accessories are minimal in this collection. Models are only afforded sandals of modest height, a simple crossbody leather bag or water canteen, and singular cuffs or bar necklaces for jewelry.
October 3, 2011 1:23 pm
Can i say something totally off subject but I really don’t feel bad about my feet after seeing some of these models down the catwalk! …my one little corn that I stay complaining about is more then welcome now! These Fashion Week Photos have shed some light!
October 3, 2011 1:28 pm
The first few pics are perfect if they’re target audience is nuns. I love the burnt orange short suit Fatima is wearing and the green and blue suede top. This collection is very hit and miss for me.
October 3, 2011 1:36 pm
Boooo!!
October 3, 2011 1:47 pm
Looking at this and thinking, Kanye’s show wasn’t so bad after all.
October 3, 2011 2:26 pm
I’m sorry but so many people are giving Kanye crap over his show but i’m wayyy more inclined to wear something from his shoe than I am to wear something from this retirement home collection!
October 3, 2011 2:26 pm
sorry, his ‘show’, not shoe.
October 3, 2011 2:56 pm
Hermes’ target audience is older woman. They’re more about great construction and vibrant hues than deep v-necks and fur trimmed shoes.
And a woman wouldn’t wear the look from head to toe the way it’s presented on a runway including the headscarfs. You’d wear pieces like this jacket or that dress.
October 3, 2011 3:05 pm
I never respond to commenters but *clapping* spot on Schlap……everthing you said is true. As for the collection..it’s hot…I am a woman of eastern descent it’s nice to see something like this on the RW’s. Different from alot of the T & A we’re used to.
October 3, 2011 3:07 pm
Oh wait- did I see a flask around one of the model’s neck?? HA! even more in love….*faints*
October 3, 2011 3:26 pm
one word…TERRIBLE!
October 3, 2011 4:10 pm
Me no-likey. While there were def a few stars of the show, the rest looked a bit… Mormon/Polygamist chic…
October 3, 2011 9:16 pm
Not a good look. Only thing I like is the maxi dress the Black model is wearing.
October 27, 2011 12:26 pm
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