DALLAS, May 8, 2007/ FW/ --- Before the fighter jets, aircraft carriers and armored tanks, the mounted cavalry, soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback in combat, is the elite fighting force.

Now, take into consideration that the word ‘cavalry’ is actually from the French word, ‘cavalerie. Jean Paul Gaultier, designer for Hermès, is the reigning King of French fashion. Hermès, which was founded in 1837, specialized in saddle and leather goods during those early days.

Put all these three elements together, and the result is a military-inspired Fall 2007 Hermes collection with the quintessential French elegance.

Still, this is Jean Paul Gaultier who does not take anything at face value. With the mounted cavalry as basis, he also threw in the World War II era, specifically the German army in their motorbikes. Hence, there is modernity amidst all the classics.

The biker jacket became a blouson lined with fur, the Jodhpur was proposed in leather and paired with a double-breasted leather jacket made feminine with a thin sash, also made of leather cinching the waist.

Teamed with over-the-knee leather boots (we all know how much Jean Paul Gaultier loves cavalier women), and a long trench coat both used by the mounted cavalry and German Army bikers, the resulting look is a mischievous Fifth Avenue debutante with a touch of rebelliousness.

Crinkled leather graced coats and cocktail dresses. Tuxedo cummerbunds were also made of leather with a tiny chair. Crocodile skin bombers lined with leather were teamed with chiffon dresses with very low V-necks. A metallic halter-neck floor length gown was paired with leather gloves!

It’s Jean Paul Gaultier at his creative best, a military triumph on the runway while staying true to the Hermes DNA.

Hermes

Hermes

Hermes

Hermes