Hermès by Jean-Paul Gaultier: Horses & Women Equals Chic
By Mari Davis

PARIS, Mar 7, 2004/ FW/ --- Strange as it may sound, there is a connection between beautiful women and thoroughbreds – the graceful turn of their necks, the magnificent stance, well-toned body and overall elegance.

Jean-Paul Gaultier figuratively put horses and women together on the runway at the École Militaire cavalry training ground for his debut collection at Hermès, giving the French house a fashion leg up.

The audience sat on bales of hay, under the light of 6 crystal chandeliers worth about $150,000 each, as they witnessed one of Jean-Paul Gaultier’s finest moments, where he worked Hermès legendary equestrian looks, famous signature orange color and the company’s beautiful scarves into trench coats, dresses, riding breeches, skirts and cardigans with fur collars.

Opening the show with a black riding habit, hunting top hat, and veil, riding crop and velvet scarf with the Hermès logo, Jean-Paul Gaultier set the tone for the collection – chic looks for the lady on the go whether she’s at the stables riding horses, at an opera opening or jet-setting around the world.

Current runway darling Ohmyrha summed it all up after the show. “It’s luxurious. It’s elegant. It’s so Gaultier and everything that comes with it,” she commented.

Ohmyrha who had been on the catwalk for almost all the top fashion houses from New York, Milan and Paris also said that for this season, the Hermès show was her favorite. “It makes you feel like a thoroughbred and there’s no pun intended. It’s about being chic without being sugary sweet.”

If the clothes are a smash hit, the accessories are triple-crown winners. The crocodile boots with the Kelly bag strap and buckle will be THE “must-have” shoes for Fall.

There is already a waiting list at Hermès boutiques for their iconic Kelly and Birkin bags. These riding boots will be on that list soon.

Though some might disagree and say that it is too early to tell with just one collection, but I will go out on a limb and say that Hermès and Jean-Paul Gaultier fashion collaboration is a match made in heaven.

Hermès by Jean-Paul Gaultier

Hermès by Jean-Paul Gaultier

Hermès by Jean-Paul Gaultier

Hermès by Jean-Paul Gaultier