Hermès Takes the Lead in Upcycling
Hermès, known for its commitment to craftsmanship and limited production, is pushing the boundaries of sustainability through its Hors-Série capsule collection. This collection repurposes deadstock fabrics and materials from previous seasons, transforming them into new creations. The latest Hors-Série collection, set to launch in January, features a palette of classic colors and includes luxe wardrobe staples like leather and cashmere coats, as well as evening gowns. These garments are created using upcycled materials such as scraps of organza and dormant stocks of silk scarves. The collection also showcases Hermès' dedication to preserving traditional techniques and craft skills, ensuring the continuation of these practices in the fashion industry.
Hermès' Commitment to Craftsmanship and Sustainability
Hermès, a luxury house with a history of 186 years, stands out for its dedication to creating impeccably made objects in small volumes. Everything at Hermès is still made by hand, including their iconic Kelly bags and silk scarves. The labor-intensive process of hand-stitching a Kelly bag or hand-rolling and stitching a silk scarf showcases the brand's commitment to slow craftsmanship and heritage. Although Hermès doesn't make grand statements about sustainability, its approach to limited production and hand-crafted pieces can be considered more radical than many brands.
Introducing the Hors-Série Capsule Collection
The pinnacle of Hermès' dedication to craftsmanship and sustainability is its Hors-Série savoir-faire capsule collection. Launched in 2020 and released every two years, Hors-Série showcases the skills and expertise of Hermès' craftsmen while repurposing deadstock fabrics and materials. The collection is not tied to a specific season, allowing the design process to be driven by the fabric and the techniques of tailoring and embellishment. For the latest Hors-Série collection, Hermès artistic director of women's ready-to-wear, Nadège Vanhée, drew inspiration from a classic color palette and repurposed various materials, including organza scraps and dormant silk scarves.
Elevating Upcycling to New Heights
Hermès takes upcycling to a whole new level in the Hors-Série collection. The brand combines humble, natural materials with its signature materials like cashmere, silk, and leather to create extraordinary pieces. For example, a little black dress is transformed with silk jacquard fabric adorned with pom-poms, glass beads, and polished horn. The collection also celebrates the brand's heritage and motifs, with designs inspired by the Greek frieze railings of the flagship store and the reins, bits, and bridles depicted on the Le Mors à la Connétable scarf. Hermès' commitment to upcycling not only creates unique and luxurious garments but also preserves age-old traditional techniques and craft skills.
