SimplyAbuDhabi X

1 4 8 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I W hen it was established in1830s Paris, the Hermes label began its life as a harness maker for horses. It is then entirely fitting that this year it returns to its roots to create a collection that takes its cue from the sporting arena but re-imagines the look with an oh so stylishmakeover. According to Veronique Nichanian, artistic director for Hermes, the collection analyses the stereotypes of the sportswear wardrobe, infusing it with the luxury heritage of the fashion house. This manifests itself as deceptively casual pieces that can be worn with ease but which are elegantly spun in practical fabrics such as canvas. The palate, though, removes any locker room associations, with a spectrum that takes in Prussian blue, grey, white, beige, indigo and acid yellow. The canvas focus works particularly well on its accessories range, proving a natural choice for footwear, particularly the sneakers with contrasting piping and moccasins created with an unstitched look. The backpacks with rope straps, weekend bags and watch straps also benefit from the understated fabric. The rugged durability of the outerwear sets the scene for Hermes’ classic luxurious fabrics to step in when items are worn close to the skin. Silk and chiffon are much in evidence, as are leather, cotton and poplin. And then there’s the T-shirt. Hermes is known for its grandiose pricing but it seems to have changed up a gear for this particular item: the crocodile leather t- shirt. Made entirely of black crocodile skin, the world’s most expensive t-shirt retails at $91,500 and is available at Hermes boutiques around the globe. We’ll have to wait and see whether they’ll be forming orderly queues for this in Abu Dhabi - or if customers decide they’d rather invest in a new car.