Taking over from Véronique Nichanian, Grace Wales Bonner will present her first collection for Hermès in January 2027
Hermès broke the news last week: Véronique Nichanian, the French designer who has served the maison for over 37 years, will be stepping down from her role, presenting her final collection next January during Paris Fashion Week.
It didn’t take long, however, for her successor to emerge. Last evening, the French luxury house announced the appointment of Grace Wales Bonner—founder and artistic director of Wales Bonner—as creative director of Men’s Ready-to-Wear.
“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,” professes Pierre-Alexis Dumas, General Artistic Director of Hermès. “Grace’s appetite and curiosity for artistic practice strongly resonate with Hermès’ creative mindset and approach. We are at the start of an enriching mutual dialogue.”
A 2014 graduate of Central Saint Martins, Wales Bonner has received numerous accolades, including the CFDA Award for International Men’s Designer of the Year in 2021 and British Menswear Designer of the Year at the Fashion Awards in 2024. With over a decade of experience in menswear—and a reputation for approaching fashion with a contemporary and innovative vision—the newest inductee to the Hermès family aims to merge her distinctive artistic expression with the maison’s storied legacy.
“I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the role of Creative Director of Hermès Men’s Ready-to-Wear. It is a dream realised to embark on this new chapter, following in a lineage of inspired craftspeople and designers,” she highlights. “I wish to express my gratitude to Pierre-Alexis Dumas and Axel Dumas for the opportunity to bring my vision to this magical house.”
