A Sunny Look at Spring/ Summer 2022
Photo credit: Vogue
A Parisian airport, Le Bourget, was the backdrop to the optimistic new Hermès Spring Summer 2022 collection, culminating in an Hermès-chartered plane landing on the airport runway beyond.
Few locations have the power to spark the excitement and anticipation of an airport and the adventure that may lay ahead on that long-awaited vacation. With many of the world’s borders still firmly closed, the location invited us to dream of the possibility of a post-pandemic carefree spring/ summer.
Though the collection sparked imaginations, it was also, crucially, rooted in reality. We’ve spent the best part of two years working from home, wearing out comfiest clothes and perhaps growing a little softer. The prospect of shimmying back into pencil skirts and heels isn’t appealing. With this season’s collection, Hermès' artistic director, Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski has found the sweet spot between dressing comfortably whilst looking chic.
This effortless ease filtered through to the season’s accessories, which featured a selection of small, practical bags in muted tones. Perhaps the most eyecatching was the new Maximors bag, a cylindrical, Swift leather clutch bag with a chunky metal handle like a horsebit. Another new addition was the Hermès Pochenplus, a simple cross-body bag. Meanwhile, the stylish and compact Mors De Bride returned for a second season, this time in canvas as well as leather.
Another anticipated bag for the SS22 season is the Skateboard Bolide 45, which has one of two colorful skateboard decks integrated into the base of the bag (showcased in the men’s collection).
Photo credit: Vogue
Those wondering if there’s any exciting fashion to purchase for extra spending won’t be disappointed. Sunny, buttery yellows, cool whites and burnt orange were utilized in block colors through the collection, alongside sexier all-black outfits, including a leather suit, a leather bustier dress and plenty of flashes of skin. However, the foundation of this sporty collection was a very relaxed silhouette, made up of loose-fitting pants and shorts with drawstring waists, racerback crop tops, athletic bralettes, fine, flowy pleats and canvas dresses trimmed with lightweight leather, all offering total ease of movement.
Each piece was elevated by the immaculate detailing you’d expect from the French fashion house. Oversized eyelets and dainty pearl-like studs accentuated collars, cuffs and pockets. Sandals designed with an inbuilt leather “sock” were a fun addition. Fastenings with equine detailing and distinctive horsebit motif gave the collection the Hermès hallmark.
