Runway Show

Hermés creative director Jean Paul Gaultier succeeded in staging a cowboy-themed fashion show in Paris, and at the Elysée Palace no less.

Parisians seemed not to mind the very the Western-ness of it all. They may even be fascinated with it. After all, as Style.com pointed out, and Gaultier must have thought: Hermès = equestrian heritage + sophisticated world traveler.

Pieces featured Mexican striped-serapes, bandannas, cashmere knits and slinky jersey dresses. Gaultier even managed to squeeze some (actually a huge amount of) elegance out of a poncho.

And the fringe! They were on dresses and accessories. Yes dear ladies, our favorite Birkin was fringed within an inch of it’s life. But then again, Gaultier gathered the reins just as we were about to wish never to see fringe on anything again.

2009 Bag Collection

For Hermés’ Spring 2009 hanbags, Gaultier was able to mix Western and with Euro chic. The collection feature almost all kinds of bags. There were canvass-and-leather suitcases, crocodile envelope clutches and everything in between.

This year’s collection also marks the debut of the Shoulder Kelley Bag – in joint lizard skin. And the 23cm Medor Clutch in Ombre lizard, alligator, suede, and supple baby calf.

Also a bit of news regarding the Birkin, as per the Hermés forum, the shoulder JPG (Jean Paul Gaultier) Birkin will be officiallly replaced by the JPG Birkin II. It will reportedly have 2 inside pockets (one for the cellphone). The HAC closure will be replaced by the true Birkin closure and the whole bag reportedly will be made smaller "to fit better under the arm."

Image source: Style