Unveiling the Artistry: Hermès' Captivating Runway Transformation

As the French Republican Guard horses in training galloped around the Hermès backstage tents, the runway canvas was being meticulously prepared for the upcoming show. The atmosphere was electric, with models milling around backstage, sipping green detox juices and snacking on tiny bowls of yogurt and honey granola, their patent glossy lips and parted hair pulled into fuzzy low ponytails creating a captivating visual contrast.

Elevating the Ordinary into the Extraordinary

Translating the Collection's Vision into Makeup Artistry

Creative director Nadège Vanhee's vision for the SS25 collection was to create a "whole universe of an artist," as described by Gregoris Pyrpylis, the creative director of Hermès Beauty. In their discussions, Vanhee expressed a desire for the models to look their best, while seamlessly translating the collection's essence into the makeup look. Pyrpylis embraced the challenge, aiming to capture the "subtleness and optimism" that permeated the collection, which featured sheer silk mesh pants, apron dresses, poplin smocks, and wood-soled sandals.

Crafting a Luminous, Reflective Aesthetic

Pyrpylis's interpretation of the makeup look was driven by the idea of "bouncing light." Rather than opting for a more obvious approach, he sought to create a "luminous texture that reflects the light." This was achieved by using the not-yet-released tinted lip balms, which were designed to provide a sheer, glossy finish that would allow the models to apply them without the need for a mirror. Additionally, the Plein Air Radiant Matte Powder 01 Nuage was used to powder the face, while the Le Courbe-cils eyelash curler was employed to bend the lashes, allowing the light to play across the features.

Embracing the Imperfect Beauty

Hairstylist Gary Gill's interpretation of the directive was to create a look that embodied an "artistic element" and a "subtle bit of offness." He envisioned a girl who had been out the night before, with her hair initially tight and then loosened up the next morning, resulting in a slightly disheveled yet captivating appearance. Gill achieved this by using a strict parting and a touch of masculinity, balanced by the softness and femininity around the edges and in the back. To add to the effect, he misted L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray into the part and pushed it through the top of the hair with a boar bristle brush. The lengths were then pulled into low ponytails, with the texture left natural and slightly fuzzy at the ends, creating an "anti-glamour" look that still maintained the "slight high-endness" of the Hermès brand.

Embracing the Duality of Strength and Softness

Gill's approach to the hair styling was a deliberate balance of contrasts, reflecting the essence of the collection. The "strictness of tightness" and the "tough girl" vibe were counterbalanced by the "hint of femininity" and the "considered, but still cool and unconsidered" aesthetic. This duality, according to Gill, was a key element in capturing the spirit of the Hermès universe, where the extraordinary is seamlessly woven into the ordinary.

Elevating the Everyday into the Extraordinary

The Hermès runway transformation was a testament to the brand's commitment to elevating the ordinary into the extraordinary. By blending the artistic vision of the creative director with the technical expertise of the makeup and hair teams, the Hermès team crafted a captivating and cohesive aesthetic that embodied the essence of the collection. From the luminous, reflective makeup to the imperfectly perfect hairstyles, each element worked in harmony to create a truly immersive and inspiring experience for the audience.