Hermes perfects masculine elegance

Models wear creations by French fashion designer Veronique Nichanian as part of the Men's Spring-Summer 2013 collection, for Fashion Week, in Paris, France, Saturday, June 30, 2012. (AP/Jacques Brinon)Hermes' Veronique Nichanian knows how to dress men.

The house's spring-summer 2013 show in the set in storied 18th century stone cloister was devastatingly elegant affair.

The venue raised expectations that — luckily — weren't dashed by a highly accomplished and colorful display.

Sexy fitted suits — single and double breasted — emphasized the shoulders but remained soft and unangular.

Meanwhile, high-waisted long-legged 1950s pants created a highly masculine silhouette.

Fashion is all about making statements.

Some designers are so busy trying to say something catchy that they forget the aesthetic.

Here, this was not the case.

There was an emphasis on pure luxury: be it soft suede, silk or tuxedos with peaked lapels in mohair.

In color, the elegance translated as a palette — terre vert, soft yellow, beige, and soft russet — that was wide-ranging but remained tonal and non-garish.

In case there was any doubt as to the masculine credentials of the show, sporty details like white sneakers, hoods, zippers and draw-strings brought home that this was all soft, but highly virile.

What is the enduring secret for Hermes — one of 2011's most lucrative fashion brands?

As far as menswear goes, for Nichanian, it's simple: "I don't have any secrets. I just love men."