Hermes Introduces Marlboro Woman
If only the Marlboro Man had found Hermes’ Marlboro woman, who sauntered down the runway at Paris Fashion Week Saturday. Only she smokes cigars.
Hermes traveled to the Far West for its collection, accessorized with bucket hats and fringes. Designer Jean-Paul Gaultier opened and closed the show with two supermodels who rarely take to the catwalk anyMore: Stephanie Seymour and Naomi Campbell. With their swinging hips — curvier and More sensual than the current young crop of runway models — they looked like chic prairie girls in their long sleeveless dresses, cinched at the waist with a black crocodile belt. Mr. Gaultier took on a cowboy staple — denim — in an Hermes way. One model wore a pair of dark cropped jeans with a sky blue crocodile blazer and vest. Other spaghetti western codes also appeared: a silk scarf wrapped around the neck, and suede boots. Several suede skirts and dresses came with a long fringe. There were plenty of bags and rigid suitcases in animal skins. But the most prominent accessory: a cigar. Mr. Gaultier has often used Cigarettes as props in past fashion shows. But in accordance with France’s recent smoking ban, none of the cigars were actually lit.