So, Hermès has just returned to the United States to unveil its Fall 2026 presentation in Los Angeles. The presentation was a fresh take on the collection first shown in Paris earlier this year, led by artistic director Nadège Vanhée-Cybulski.
Since taking the reins of Hermès womenswear in 2014, Vanhée-Cybulski has built a reputation for creating clothes that prioritise longevity over random, flash-in-the-pan trends. Her collections focus on high-quality materials, thoughtful construction and garments designed to become a part of a woman’s wardrobe for years. This ethos remained intact during the house’s show in LA, though the surroundings introduced a completely different mood.
The Paris presentation felt sharper and more structured, while the Californian edition appeared more laid back, reflecting the city’s approach to dressing. Don’t get us wrong, though, the levels of precision and craftsmanship still remained the same, with a real sense of movement being prominent through the collection.
The location itself played an important role in the show. LA is a city where fashion, music, art and wellness cover all corners, creating a cultural landscape that feels so different to the traditional fashion capitals of Paris, Milan and London. By bringing the collection to California, Hermès placed its work in a completely new circle and environment.
Leather, unsurprisingly, remained central to the collection. Hermès is one of the world’s most respected leather goods houses, and Hermès continues to treat the material as both a technical and creative tool. Across jackets, outerwear and accessories, the clothes looked luxurious and also completely wearable.
There were also subtle references to performance and movement, especially through silhouettes that embraced dancewear and athletic dressing. However, these details never dominated the collection, instead, they added another layer to narrative.
Vanhée-Cybulski most definitely relies on the quality of the product as opposed to trying to create a viral spectacle. That approach felt especially relevant as the collection was built on restraint, confidence and craftsmanship. The result highlighted the versatility of Vanhée-Cybulski’s vision and reinforced why Hermès remains one of luxury fashion’s most respected names.
