In the shimmering heart of Shanghai, along the graceful curve of the North Bund Bay, Hermès unveiled its Resort 2026 collection—Au Galop!—in a breathtaking spectacle that married tradition with modernity, Parisian refinement with the pulsing energy of China’s most cosmopolitan city. This was no ordinary fashion show; it was an experience, a living tableau of elegance, adaptability, and quiet confidence.

Artistic director Nadège Vanhée once again wove her thoughtful vision into the house’s rich heritage, this time with a focus on movement—of people, of style, of time itself. Against the illuminated backdrop of the Huangpu River and Lujiazui’s glittering skyline, with boats drifting softly past like whispered memories, the runway came alive with garments that whispered of travel, transformation, and timeless grace.

At the very heart of the collection was the braid motif, inspired by Virginie Jamin’s Dressage Tressage silk carré. This element braided its way not just through hand-finished garment trims and accessories like the iconic Kelly bag but even in the models’ hairstyles—an artful gesture blending past and present, Paris and Shanghai, heritage and innovation.

Modularity and versatility defined this offering. Vanhée’s designs celebrate the adaptable woman—an explorer of both cities and self. Rich fur jackets, double-faced cashmere lined with the Dressage Tressage print, and crisp, transformable leathers became statements of enduring luxury meant to last seasons, perhaps lifetimes. A leather dress deconstructed gracefully into a skirt and gilet; a long coat shed its upper half to reveal an independent jacket and lining meant to be worn apart. Each piece promised not just beauty, but function—a quiet assurance that these garments were designed for real life, not fleeting moments.

The styling felt fresh yet impeccably refined. Streetwear nods—knits and shirts tied at the waist—were elevated through the lens of Hermès craftsmanship: sumptuous cashmeres, polished leathers, silks that gleamed just so. Mini Kelly bags dangled cross-body or as chic backpacks, while scarves—twisted, ring-secured, fluttering in the breeze—reminded us of the brand’s equestrian soul. Even accessories spoke in hushed luxury: leather-wrapped headphones worn like jewelry, an intimate detail for the woman who treasures both beauty and discretion.

In all, the collection was a soft yet stirring statement on what fashion can be: not fast, not fleeting, but intentional, fluid, and gracefully prepared to follow the wearer through every chapter of her story.

With Resort 2026, Hermès doesn’t simply clothe a woman—it travels with her.