Hermès presented its Spring–Summer 2026 women’s collection, “À Brides Lâchées” (“Free Rein”), as an ode to independence, heritage craftsmanship and the enduring connection between horse and rider.
The collection drew inspiration from a Camargue saddle preserved in the Hermès archives, its patinated leather and curved troussequin backrest informing silhouettes that merge precision tailoring with equestrian tradition.
At the heart of the collection lies the fusion of couture dressmaking and the house’s renowned saddle-making savoir-faire. Curved forms, hand-waxed leathers, straps, buckles and rings evoke both utility and artistry, while intricate matelassage reflects the ancestral Provençal technique of boutis needlework. The designs embody a spirit of functionality grounded in artisanal excellence, reinforcing the maison’s equestrian roots.
Movement defined the collection’s structure. A cropped equestrian jacket paired with an asymmetrical quilted linen skirt exemplified balance between discipline and fluidity. Long protective coats, reminiscent of trench styles, were cinched with harness belts, blurring the boundaries between tailoring and tack. Corsetry-inspired quilted dresses closely followed the body, layered over cycling shorts to merge heritage with athleticism. Brassières structured draped, fluid volumes printed with the vivid Aux champs en fleurs rayé carré motif, reinforcing the theme of freedom through physical expression.
Innovation emerged through the inventive use of the Hermès silk scarf. The carré was reimagined as a harnessed top or sculptural choker, signalling versatility and creativity within the collection. Each ensemble encouraged personal adaptation, layering and reinterpretation, always revealing, never concealing the wearer.
A nautical thread also ran through the presentation. Crisp cotton trousers featuring harness-style straps echoed the utilitarian design of dungarees, while sheer open-knit pieces let sunlight filter through like sea spray. The Méditerranée print, hand-rendered in free brushstrokes, rippled across garments to suggest the ebb and flow of tide and wind.
The show concluded with a vision of harmony between woman and landscape — a vast delta shaped by natural forces and human craftsmanship. “À Brides Lâchées” celebrated freedom, heritage and resilience, paying tribute to generations of women who, like the Hermès muse, move through life unrestrained, luminous and free.
