Collection expanded with new patterns and colors for local audience
Hermès presented its men’s Spring 2025 collection last Thursday at Seoul’s Jamsil Han River Park in a temporary slate-gray structure built for the occasion. Titled “Hermès Boardwalk,” the show took place beside the water on a wooden runway constructed in a zig-zag formation resembling a beachside path.
Originally unveiled in Paris, the collection by Véronique Nichanian was updated for the Seoul presentation with nine additional looks. These included color-blocked shirts, a powder lilac jacket, floral denim bomber jackets, and metallic silver windbreakers. “I put some new patterns and coloration to diversify the collection and to make it work with the boardwalk. It makes for a different show. It’s about the sea and the show tonight was right by the water so it was very fitting,” said Nichanian.
Artist Yeesookyung, one of the guests at the event, commented on the visual direction. “As an artist, I naturally noticed the colors, which ranged from shades of pink to brown that I have never seen before. They seemed inspired by nature, from the earth to the sea. Watching the show felt like exploring new ingredients,” she said.
Axel Dumas, executive chairman of Hermès, also attended and emphasized the brand’s long-standing relationship with Korea. “As a six-generation [member of the] Hermès family, there is one thing I want to praise in these turbulent times: It’s loyalty. And loyalty to [Korea]. I’m proud and happy to have all these Korean friends,” he said.
Hermès Korea’s managing director, Alex Han, noted this was the third Hermès show staged in the country. The cast included model and actor Cha Seungwon and “Squid Game” actor Wi Ha-jun. Reflecting on the experience, Wi said, “I got to grace the finale but I can’t recall anything because I was so nervous. But I had a great time and it was a big honor.” Olympic fencer Oh Sanguk, who also walked the runway, added, “Kudos to models who do this all the time. I think I’d better stick to my main job.”
Victor Glemaud, a designer known for knitwear, recently moved to Seoul and described the presentation as “a beautiful encapsulation of Hermès savoir-faire in Seoul.”
Following the runway, an after-party took place at the same venue with boat-themed decor. Guests attended carnival games, watched a live performance by a local indie band, and were served cocktails referencing maritime themes.
Attendees included a number of public figures such as actor and painter Joseph Lee, Korean actors Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Je-hoon, Park Hyung-sik, and Yim Si-wan; figure skater Cha Jun-hwan; chef Antoni Porowski, and influencer Pierce Abernathy.
