Grace Wales Bonner takes over as menswear creative director at Hermès, succeeding Véronique Nichanian after 37 years.
Summary
- Grace Wales Bonner has been appointed creative director of men’s ready-to-wear at Hermès, replacing Véronique Nichanian.
- Nichanian served for 37 years, making this one of the rare major shifts at a house known for long-term leadership.
- Wales Bonner brings a decade-old namesake label, a culturally rich design approach, and a vision that aligns with Hermès’ heritage and ambitions.
When Hermès announced that Grace Wales Bonner would become its new head of menswear, the move felt like both a nod to legacy and a step forward. The London-based designer behind her own namesake label takes over from Véronique Nichanian, who held the role for 37 years.
Across nearly four decades, Nichanian established a steady rhythm and refined language for Hermès menswear. The arrival of Wales Bonner points to a thoughtful evolution that keeps the house grounded in craft and restraint.
In a statement, Hermès’ general artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas said Wales Bonner’s view of fashion, craft, and culture made her a natural fit. He noted that her taste and curiosity for artistic practice align with Hermès’ creative approach. Wales Bonner called the appointment “a dream realised,” and thanked Axel Dumas and Pierre-Alexis Dumas for the opportunity.
You may also like: Grace Wales Bonner’s Interpretation of Afro-Atlantic Fashion
Wales Bonner’s work is rooted in tailoring that carries cultural resonance, drawing from her Jamaican-British heritage, art, music, and the African diaspora, alongside classic menswear codes and subtle streetwear influences. Her first collection for Hermès is scheduled for January 2027, giving her time to develop a vision that grows organically rather than rushing to make an immediate statement.
She launched her label after graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2014 and has since earned major recognition, including Emerging Menswear Designer and the LVMH Young Designer Prize. Nichanian’s exit, in turn, closes an important chapter not only for Hermès but for luxury menswear as a whole.
Wales Bonner’s appointment reflects how heritage houses are evolving, even those known for their deliberate pace. Under her direction, Hermès menswear is expected to maintain its commitment to craftsmanship while embracing a broader awareness of culture, identity, and the global conversation around style.
For now, the focus will be on how she approaches the transition, how her first collection unfolds, and how Hermès continues to balance its deep heritage with a new point of view. The January 2027 debut will reveal what direction this next chapter takes.
