Hermès Matte Havane Crocodile & Cashmere Vest - FW 2007, FR38

When Jean-Paul Gaultier took the helm of Hermès, he injected the brand with a large dose of its own heritage. From his first runway show, it was clear JPG would produce designs that were all at once innovative and exciting, as well as classic, luxurious, and undeniably Hermès. The House’s equestrian roots permeate his collections. Gaultier’s simple, elegant design for an equestrian inspired vest grew slowly during his tenure, landing on the final perfected design, with sleek hip pockets and covered buttons, in 2007. In the fall show that year he showed a number of examples including this matte Havane brown crocodile version with a wool & cashmere knit back. The design pops up in many of his shows after, but never again in crocodile until a black version walked in his penultimate fall 2010 show. Hermès crocodile clothing is always paired with extreme retail prices, and at the time, this vest would have retailed for upward of $20,000. This vest is a size FR38 which translates to a US 6. The lining is 100% Silk and the back is 70% Wool, 30% Cashmere. This vest is luxurious, sturdy, and presents as unworn.