After four plus weeks of seeing collections from all over the world, originating from any and every conceptual birthplace, I was anticipating a “palate cleansing” from Hermès. Not that I wanted to forget any of the previous collections, as it was a solid season, I just yearned for a substantial dessert course.

The tennis-themed show was complete with grass risers, runway and white cushion seating. With Jean Paul Gaultier providing his twist on court classics, the collection was full of lust-worthy items that may not occupy editorial space, but will certainly occupy the closets of Hermès devotees young and old.

Pleated tennis skirts of all lengths in nude with a hint of ochre had alternating sheer and leather panels. Classic piped pieces in navy, ivory, black and white evoked leisurewear and could serve as elegant court or poolside cover-ups. However, it was the stellar workmanship in the clothes–evident even in motion—that really stole the show. The bags, the shoes and the clothing all had a finished, non sample-like quality that one rarely sees through the runway’s smoke and mirrors.

Also of note, the stylistic choice of a monochrome or contrast socks, which added a spectator feel to the strappy open heels. A grouping of crimson pieces with khaki, white, and navy accents was memorable, but an outstanding look in my mind was a shale blue-grey ensemble made up of a leather shirt-coat, shirt dress and high laced sandals, accessorized with, of course, a giant matching Birkin with unfastened trompe l’oeil buckles. Palate cleansed, I was left full and satisfied, and ready to leave Paris.

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Lead image courtesy of cornedbeefhash.wordpress.com. Runway images courtesy of trendhunter.com