Hermès’ Paris Men’s Fashion Show Embraces Woven Leather and Subtle Confidence

PARIS – While much of Paris Fashion Week chased spectacle, Hermès chose a different path.

Artistic director Véronique Nichanian introduced the Summer 2026 men’s collection on Saturday, showcasing a blend of quiet strength, intricate craftsmanship, and serene luxury.

Models strutted down the runway surrounded by grand mirrors, sporting sharply tailored jackets, high-waisted leather pants, and sleeveless tops that harmoniously combined the brand’s heritage with a contemporary, effortless allure.

Nichanian’s colors were cool and exact: coffee, slate, taupe and beige, each one a lesson in subtlety. There was no shouting here, only precision.

The collection’s impact came from its understated elegance. While many brands opt for bold statements, Hermès chose a more refined approach, focusing on well-fitted silhouettes and a sense of organization in a fashion world filled with chaos. The use of premium leather, delicate silks, and subtly fringed bandanas served as a gentle reminder that genuine luxury lies in quality materials and textures rather than extravagant displays.

Nichanian’s playful touches — zigzag motifs, the wink of an unbuttoned shirt, a glint of silver hardware — kept things human, not stiff. It was a masterclass in how to make classic codes feel new, even radical, simply by refusing to chase trends.

In a season marked by designer shake-ups and economic jitters, Hermès stood alone: confident, focused, and unwilling to compromise. As Nichanian took her bow to cheers, she sent a clear message — at Hermès, luxury is about the pleasure of the wearer, not the applause of the crowd.