Hermès’s Autumn/Winter 2021 Show was a Captivating Three-act Triptych

Presenting a captivating triptych of fashion and dance, Hermès’ Women’s Ready-to-wear Autumn/Winter 2021 is a celebration of movement and breaking out of the metaphorical rut to live life once more.

The collection features accessories and looks that can transition from day to night. Models on the runway toted the Kelly bag with an inside pouch that can be unattached and used as a cutch, to donning a lipstick holder and a smartphone case that answers to our lifestyle today. The silhouettes and fabrics also take on the idea of women and their unlimited movements, with denim and padded anoraks making an appearance in the collection.

In the words of the maison itself, “[t]his collection is an expression of the desire to explore the sensuality of new mythologies.”

A Presentation in Three Acts: New York, Paris and Shanghai

“I wanted a film directed by an artist with a feel for the crossover of genres and disciplines. Not a film about fashion, nor about dance, but a film about us all and all the ways we can and must continue to reinvent ourselves.”

Unified with motifs in Hermès’ signature orange hue, the show was staged across three regions in New Tork, Paris and Shanghai. Filmed by Sébastien Lifshitz and broadcasted live, it was bookended by two choreographies opening in New York and ending in Shang Hai.

Despite the time difference, the three acts were broadcasted live across the time zones before it was merged into an enthralling 30-minute triptych.

Act 1: The Armory Show, New York

The Armory Show kicked off in New York with a dance piece by American artist Madeline Hollander. The choreography, which is the physical interpretation of Nadège Vanhée-Cybulski’s collection, was set against drapes in orange hues—a motif that smoothly tied the three acts together.

Act 2: La Garde Républicaine, Paris

Shifting to Paris, Hermès Women’s Ready-to-wear AW21 collection revealed a collection that plays with fabric and fringes. Breaking away from traditional tailoring, it toys with suede and tailored denim, cycling gear, suits in parka-style cut and fringed jackets and ponchos.

Act 3: Maison Hermès, Shanghai

Ending in Shanghai, the final choreography directed by Gu Jiani concluded the show.

Despite the travel restrictions, Hermès has successfully put together a show that connects the corners of the globes together. The triptych managed to answers Nadège Vanhée-Cybulski’s question of “How in these socially distanced times can we continue to be creative and, more importantly, be together despite it all?” in a hopeful presentation the arts and fashion together.

Rewatch the show on Hermès.

(All images: Hermès)