When I studied abroad in London, I was enrolled in an Equestrian class. I used to ride a chocolate-maned stallion named Sirius through Hyde Park as fall leaves crusted beneath his hooves and the wind kissed my face as he broke out into a trot.
I loved every minute of my horseback adventures. And I would romanticize what it would be like if I had grown up riding horses: the setting, the wardrobe and the accessories. The Hermes Heritage Exhibition brought those daydreams to life.
The boutique exhibit in Beverly Hills was a charming way to spend an hour of the afternoon between classes and going out with friends. The low-lit rooms were filled with antique saddles from the earlier days of Hermes. They were complemented by vintage photographs of Equestrian garb of the ’50s and ’60s as well as gorgeously structured coats (a leather quilted red parka and horse-blanket evoking cape to name a few. In the background played mid-century french jazz from archived Hermes ads for the latest fashions, as well as a video depicting the eveloping history of the saddle. In the words of the exhibition’s curator, Burno Gaudichon, the exhibition was “a uniue balance between values and history, between modernity and roots.” I definitely felt that timeless nature the second I stepped through the exhibition curtain–and didn’t want to leave it.
The chic yet utilitarian characteristics of Hermes inspired my outfit for the day: a head-to-toe back ensemble accented with a camel-colored sleeveless trench coat. What I love about Hermes is that their clothes are meant to be practical yet flattering for the lifestyle of a chic equestrian woman. Whoever said fashion cannot be functional was acutely mistaken. I feel the same way about my outfit: the simple layering of a black crop top with a slit skirt and black suede knee-high boots create a simplistic monochrome look that is Parisian chic yet Californian cool. It’s light and airy– practical for a spring day in LA with a slight wind chill.
I will not be able to get over the fantasy of the experience. All I can hope for is more exhibitions like these in Los Angeles.
What is your favorite fashion brand and why?
Keeping it Krischic,
Kristin Vartan
Keeping it Krischic 
One response to “Hermes Heritage Exhibition”
[…] patterned on a blue and orange backsplash. Perhaps it’s because the scarf print is a head nod to luxury, like Hermes or Versace, that pulled me to this garment. Weaved into that is a modernity and sense […]