Style in the Sky High ... Hermès F/W 09-10

The world’s first female pilot Amelia Earhart may have been disappeared for almost a century but somehow, her signature tomboy pilot meets demurely classy lady style remains unparalleled till today.

So inevitable that it became the point of reference for French couturier Jean Paul Gaultier’s fall/winter 2009 ready-to-wear and accessories collection for French saddler and highly respected fashion house Hermès.

For the upcoming fall/winter season, Gaultier once again gets creative with leathers and all kinds of luxurious skins. Utilizing the most of Hermès forte in creating wonders out of leather, the renowned French couturier, who happens to be Hermès current creative director for womenswear magically transformed yards of exotic skins and plush soft leathers into a bevy of ready-to-wear pieces every woman would like to be dressed in, all inspired by the styles of legendary aviatrixes Earhart and Amy Johnson.

With classical soundtrack of Casablanca blaring as the milieu music, the show was opened by supermodel Raquel Zimmerman, all dressed up in alligator bomber jacket with fur trimmed collar and a velvety sweater worn underneath.

The look is gloriously spiced up with a pair of dark brown leggings, matching gloves and the most unique part – aviator headgear and visor crafted out from the supple burgundy alligator skin. Other incarnations of the burgundy alligator also include overcoat with bushy fur trim and jacket with wide lambskin trim and long sleeves.

More aviatrix-inspired looks were churned on stage with men’s tailoring approached applied on some of the pieces, such as Astrakhan lapelled long coat worn with knitted vest and white shirt tucked underneath; a pair of loose pleated front pants and finished off with a narrow silk tie.

The second menswear-inspired look gracing the stage also incorporates the similar approach as the former but substituted with a fur-trimmed fabric bomber jacket. What’s more, the lambskin gloves and the posh clutch bags clutched by the models soften the displayed masculine looks.

However, I would definitely deem that the specialty of the season from this collection would be no other than the dresses. Often regarded as the highlight of the collection, Gaultier made his dresses as a tool to draw a woman’s confidence and unmatchable sensuality with sexy slits, liquid halter necks and classic checked prints.

Wanting to channel the mystical Snow Queen aura sans excess fur? Simply opt for the silky long printed chiffon dress with elongated sash tied around the waistline and plunging neckline, and then accessorise it with a lovely fur-trimmed babushka.

And as always, never forget to compliment the fall/winter Hermès look with its array of accessories. Spotted on the runway are Kelly clutch in brown alligator hide, suede ankle boots with gold-plated lock plates (a la Kelly), the inseparable Birkin in brown suede-y finish and without the padlocks, peeped-toed stilettos in crocodile skin with lace front, lambskin necktie and elongated studded leather belt just to list down a few. Oh, elbow-length leather gloves would be optional for us who lives here (in the warmer parts of the world).

Hermès fall/winter 2009-10 ready-to-wear and accessories collection will be available exclusively at all Hermès stores worldwide starting early fall this year.

*Photos by Monica Feudi and Gianni Pucci for Style.com/VOGUE

Hermès – Lot 2.27.01, 2.27.08 and 3.29.00, Pavilion KL, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur; G38, Ground Level, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur; Lot SATP G31/37, Concourse Area, Passenger Level, Satellite Building, Kuala Lumpur International Airport.