PARIS — While many brands at Paris Fashion Week sought to dazzle with grandeur, Hermès chose a subtler approach this time around. On Saturday, the creative mind behind Hermès Menswear, Véronique Nichanian, introduced the Summer 2026 men’s collection, emphasizing quiet confidence, meticulous craftsmanship, and a refined sense of luxury.
Models graced the runway under towering mirrors, wearing precisely tailored jackets, high-waisted leather trousers woven with care, and sleeveless tops that seamlessly blended the house’s heritage with contemporary, laid-back elegance. Nichanian’s color palette was composed of cool, precise tones such as coffee, slate, taupe, and beige, serving lessons in nuance and sophistication. This collection didn’t shout; it communicated through precision.
The true strength of this collection lay in its restraint. Where others opted for broad strokes, Hermès chose a path of tailored silhouettes and a structured approach, at a time when much of the fashion world seemed embroiled in making a statement. Utilizing fine leather, delicate silks, and subtly fringed bandanas, Hermès reminded attendees that genuine luxury is about the tactile experience, rather than ostentation.
Nichanian infused playful elements, like zigzag patterns, a casually unbuttoned shirt hinting at informality, and the occasional flash of silver hardware. These touches ensured the collection remained approachable and lively, effortlessly injecting new life into timeless styles without succumbing to fleeting trends.
Amidst a season characterized by designer upheavals and economic uncertainties, Hermès stood out as a beacon of confidence, clarity, and integrity. Nichanian’s closing acknowledgment to enthusiastic applause reinforced a clear ethos — at Hermès, luxury centers on the satisfaction of the wearer, rather than the acclaim of onlookers.