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Wales Bonner succeeds Nichanian at the creative helm of Hermès Menswear

Oct 22, 2025 France

Following the announcement of Véronique Nichanian’s departure after 37 years at the luxury group, it was revealed that Grace Wales Bonner would be taking over as Creative Director of Hermès Menswear

Hermès has announced the appointment of Grace Wales Bonner as Creative Director of Men’s Ready-to-Wear. She will present her first collection for the luxury group in January 2027. A 2014 graduate of Central Saint Martins, she founded her eponymous label and has spent the last 10 years developing a contemporary and innovative approach to menswear.

“I am really pleased to welcome Grace to the Hermès Artistic Director family. Her take on contemporary fashion, craft and culture will contribute to shaping Hermès men’s style, melding the house’s heritage with a confident look on the now. Grace’s appetite and curiosity for artistic practice strongly resonate with Hermès’ creative mindset and approach”, commented Pierre-Alexis Dumas, General Artistic Director of Hermès.

The designer, who has received accolades such as the CFDA Award for International Men’s Designer of the Year in 2021 and the Fashion Awards’ British Menswear Designer of the Year in 2024, said: “It is a dream realised to embark on this new chapter, following in a lineage of inspired craftspeople and designers”.

This appointment followed Véronique Nichanian’s decision to present her final collection for the Hermès menswear division during Paris Fashion Week Autumn-Winter 2026-2027 in January 2026, after 37 years with the company.

“I have decided that I will be presenting my final collection for the house on 24^th of January of next year. Working for Hermès since 1988 has been an immense pleasure. I am very proud to be part of this big family in which I have been able to flourish and enjoy total creative freedom”, she said.

Hermès highlighted that Véronique has made a significant contribution to the development of a contemporary style, through her constant reinvention of clothing and its uses, and her ongoing exploration of materials, techniques and colours. She is credited with designing a wardrobe rooted in functional aesthetics, blending Hermès’ heritage with a contemporary sensibility.

“We thank Véronique warmly for her eye, her vision, her generosity, her energy and her curiosity. Propelled by her talent, conviction and whimsy, she has guided the destiny of a man who walks with allure. The success of the men’s universe owes much to her”, reads the statement.

Nichanian also expressed gratitude to Jean-Louis Dumas, Axel Dumas, Pierre-Alexis Dumas and all the teams for putting their trust in her and her studio.

Image Credits: marieclaire.ng

France Companies Hermès Luxury Management