Hermès drops your new bag obsessions
Nadège Vanhee’s latest offering for Hermès, the Fall/Winter 2025 women’s collection, once more solidifies the brand’s position as a master of understated luxury. This season, the longtime artistic director for Hermès women’s ready-to-wear presented a compelling narrative of juxtaposed textures and refined silhouettes, creating a collection that resonated with both strength and sensuality.
The runway itself set the stage for this exploration of contrasts. A textured, almost earth-like surface provided a stark backdrop to the impeccably crafted garments, hinting at a connection between the raw beauty of nature and the polished elegance of urban life. This visual dichotomy was mirrored in the collection’s fabric choices.
A key theme was the interplay of textures. Smooth, glossy leathers, a hallmark of Hermès, were masterfully paired with warm, tactile wools and quilted finishes. This created a sense of depth and complexity, elevating classic silhouettes to new heights. Notably, the introduction of Feutre wool into iconic handbag designs, such as the Birkin, offered a fresh, cozy take on these timeless pieces, demonstrating Vanhee’s ability to innovate within the brand’s established codes.
The color palette was equally refined, dominated by a sophisticated range of blacks, rich browns, and elegant grays. These foundational colors provided a canvas for subtle variations in texture and finish, allowing the craftsmanship and materials to take center stage. The deliberate restraint in color allowed the textures of the pieces to become the focal point.
Silhouettes were clean and precise, with a focus on tailored lines that conveyed a sense of assertive femininity. Strong shoulders and cinched waists were prominent, creating a powerful yet graceful aesthetic. The collection emphasized functional clothing that was also undeniably stylish. There was a clear indication of clothing that could be worn every day, while still maintaining the high level of luxury that is expected from Hermès.
New handbags
The handbags, as always, were a highlight. The reimagined Birkin, incorporating wool and leather, was a standout piece, demonstrating Vanhee’s ability to breathe new life into iconic designs. The popular “non-quota” bag, Picotin, receives the same fresh treatment.
The Bolide bag also reinforced its iconic status, presented in a range of sizes and luxurious leathers, solidifying its place as a staple of the Hermès woman’s wardrobe.
There were variations of pared-down shoulder bags, like the new Box Bag, which has an adjustable shoulder strap and a rectangular H hardware strap, and the Della Cavalleria Elan bag with its distinct equestrian-themed hardware. Notably, several models also sported over the shoulder a very ’90s minimalist slim pochette. Flat vanity cases bearing the same hardware as the Box Bag also debuted on the runway.
Vanhee’s consistent ability to evolve the Hermès aesthetic while staying true to its core values of craftsmanship and timeless elegance is evident in this collection. The Fall/Winter 2025 offering successfully navigated the tension between strength and softness, creating a wardrobe that is both powerful and sensual. The emphasis on textural contrast and refined color palettes elevated everyday pieces to objects of desire.
In essence, Hermès delivered a collection that is both intellectually stimulating and viscerally appealing. It’s a testament to the brand’s enduring ability to redefine luxury for the modern woman, offering a blend of rugged refinement that feels both contemporary and timeless.
