Actress Kelly Rutherford, renowned for her role in "Gossip Girl," recently attended Milan Fashion Week with her 20-year-old son, Hermes. The event marked Hermes's first public appearance in over a year and a half, where he effortlessly captured attention as a rising model. His presence alongside his mother at the Tod's SS27 show underscored his growing visibility in the fashion industry and brought his family's past legal challenges, particularly Rutherford's extensive custody battle, back into the public discourse.
During the Tod's SS27 show at Milan Fashion Week, Kelly Rutherford, aged 57, exuded maternal pride as she stood beside her son, Hermes. Rutherford, celebrated for her portrayal of Lily van der Woodsen, wore a stylish gray pantsuit layered with a dark leather jacket, perfectly suited for the autumn season. Hermes, who is pursuing a career in modeling, presented a refined image in ivory trousers, a white crew-neck shirt, and a camel-colored suede shirt jacket. His blonde hair was slicked back, complemented by dark aviator sunglasses and light gray sneakers with white soles. Rutherford also shares a 17-year-old daughter, Helena Giersch, with her former husband, Daniel Giersch. She completed her ensemble with black loafers and a small, tan Hermès handbag, with her blonde hair elegantly parted down the middle and pulled back.
The mother-son duo's last public appearance together was in January 2025, during Paris Fashion Week. Their joint presence at such high-profile events often draws attention to Kelly Rutherford's challenging international custody dispute with her German businessman ex-husband, Daniel Giersch, following their divorce in 2010. A Monaco judge had granted joint custody, but the children were ordered to reside full-time with Giersch in Monaco due to his revoked work visa preventing his return to the United States. This necessitated Rutherford's frequent travels to Monaco or a relocation to be near her children. She reportedly spent nearly $2 million in legal fees over six years in her fight for full custody. At one point, she faced accusations of abduction when she did not return her children to Monaco after a six-week visit.
In October 2025, while speaking on Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop podcast, Rutherford candidly expressed that she felt as though her "heart had been ripped out" during this tumultuous period. She reflected on the process of learning from her mistakes and expressed gratitude for her role on "Gossip Girl" during that time, which served as a crucial distraction. She shared that the show provided a necessary focus, stating, "It doesn't matter what's going on in your life, but everyone was so supportive. I was thankful and dealt with it day by day and you learn a lot about yourself." Her ability to maintain her professional commitments amidst personal turmoil highlighted her resilience and strength.
The recent appearance of Kelly Rutherford and her son Hermes at Milan Fashion Week not only showcased their enduring bond but also highlighted Hermes's burgeoning career in the modeling world, further cementing his place in the public eye. Their attendance at the prestigious fashion event reinforces the familial support system that has been instrumental in navigating both career demands and personal challenges.
