We do like an Hermès summer. This is when things heat up with more skin, more va voom and there is a light freedom in the handwriting. “Free Rein” took us this side of Yellowstone, to a place inspired by wide open planes, somewhere wild as far as the eye can see.

The Hermès landswomen for SS26 are most definitely riders, so their wardrobe nodded to the equestrian, a little touch of the windswept South of France too. An antique Camargue saddle from the Hermès archive inspired the leather pieces that were so artfully constructed, almost like bridles or harnesses sitting so snugly on the body - more bra than corset.

Leather straps, buckles and twists of silk became part of necklaces, and silk scarves fastened by leather harnesses transformed into tops. The dust coats were pitch perfect and the working dungarees cut low to the waist added a crisp freshness. Creative director Nadege Vanhee recently told us: “I do not ride horses, but I like the culture of horses.” And it is this fascination that leads to such well informed, playful pieces. What’s not to love about a free spirit?

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