Spring 2010 Fashion Collection - Hermes

Hermes is a well-respected, well-known fashion label that many in Hollywood love. It's easy to see why. It provides an effortless, yet glamorous style. The spring 2010 collection is no exception. Having almost certainly been inspired by "Wimbeldon whites," this collection provides a solid, cohesive look that has some elements of glamor, while still keeping a very sporty, active look. Here is my review of Hermes spring 2010 collection.

First off, there are two style choices that must be noted. While I'm not particularly fond of either, I realize why they exist. First, the headband. Wearing a sweatband has become such a turnoff in the last year, with Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan trying desperately to sell the look, but failing miserably. It is really a style choice that needs to be abandoned. However, on a runway show where the models are literally carrying tennis rackets down the runway, it is appropriate. However appropriate it may be, it still suffers from the association with Paris Hilton and her silver sequined headband that she's been wearing for the past year. Second, the models are wearing the obligatory strappy high heels, but they are also wearing socks. And even the most unschooled in fashion know that socks don't belong with open toe strappy pumps. Oddly enough, it fits within the context of the collection, but certainly isn't something that should be emulated if one wears one of these outfits on the street. It's the difference between the show and entertainment of the runway, and the reality of wearing an outfit.

Regarding the actual styles, there is not a big use of color. Approximately a third of the collection is white, and takes its look directly from the tennis courts. Unfortunately, it's a little too literal. The outfits look like they can be bought in any store which sells tennis dresses, and then a white blazer was thrown on as an afterthought while heading out the door for lessons. Some are a little more inventive with long skirts and rolled hems, but in the end, they are still not particularly noteworthy. That doesn't mean that they aren't beautiful or well-done- just a little too dull.

Some of the navy and black outfits are a bit better. One sheer black outfit is really exceptionally beautiful, and manages to stay classy looking, despite being see-through from top to bottom. But the really fascinating outfits are the ones that make use of a brick colored fabric with a texture somewhat like spandex. One in particular features a leather sunvisor, a brick colored bra top and skirt, nude shoes, bright red bangles, and a floor length ombre jacket that shifts colors between the rest of the colors in the outfit. It's an exceptionally well-done piece, and provides a lot of interesting things to look at, without ever providing so many competing details that it becomes overwhelming.

This is certainly a good collection by Hermes, and one that really represents them as a brand. It gives a sense of the classic, but also looks fresh and new. One thing that they could learn from this is to take a few more risks. Where they have stuck with the traditional in this collection, it's a little bland. But the pieces where they decided to take a few risks are the ones that really stand out.