End of an Era at Hermès: Véronique Nichanian Steps Down – What Comes Next?
In a major moment for luxury fashion, Véronique Nichanian (71), the longtime creative force behind Hermès menswear, has officially stepped down, closing one of the most enduring chapters in modern fashion history.
A Legendary Tenure: 37 Years at Hermès
Véronique Nichanian’s career at Hermès is nothing short of extraordinary. Joining the French luxury house in 1988, she built and defined Hermès’s menswear identity from the ground up after being recruited from Cerruti by Jean-Louis Dumas.
Over her 37-year tenure, she became known for a design philosophy rooted in understated elegance, impeccable craftsmanship, and timeless sophistication, hallmarks of the Hermès aesthetic. Rather than chasing trends, Nichanian favored subtle refinement: beautifully constructed garments that married functionality with quiet luxury.
Her longevity also made her one of the longest-serving creative directors in fashion, a rare figure of continuity in an industry often defined by rapid change and designer turnover. With a 37-year tenure, Nichanian even surpasses Karl Lagerfeld’s legendary 36-year run at Chanel, making her one of the longest-serving creative directors in modern luxury fashion history.
Nichanian’s final collection for Hermès was presented during the January 2026 runway season, marking the end of an era both for her and for the brand’s menswear division.
Passing the Torch: Grace Wales Bonner Takes Over
Hermès has chosen British designer Grace Wales Bonner as Nichanian’s successor in the menswear creative director role. The announcement marks a bold, yet thoughtful, new chapter for the storied French maison.
At 35 years old, Wales Bonner brings fresh energy and a unique artistic perspective to one of fashion’s most iconic houses. She founded her eponymous label, Wales Bonner, in 2014 and has been celebrated for her work that bridges fashion, culture, and intellectual inquiry — earning awards and global recognition along the way.
Her appointment to Hermès also carries symbolic weight: she becomes one of the few Black women to lead design at a major luxury fashion house, a milestone in an industry still grappling with representation and diversity.
Wales Bonner’s first collection for Hermès is slated to debut in January 2027, giving her an entire year to shape her vision for the brand’s menswear future.
Will It Be a Fresh Wind or a Seamless Transition?
The shift at Hermès is significant not just because of Nichanian’s tenure, but because it highlights Hermès’s careful balance between heritage and evolution.
Nichanian’s legacy is rooted in quiet power, precision tailoring, and a measured, less overtly trend-driven approach. Her work embodied Hermès’s dedication to craftsmanship and enduring style rather than seasonal spectacle.
Grace Wales Bonner’s design ethos, by contrast, leans into cultural narratives, global references, and artistic collaboration, which many expect to inject a fresh creative energy into the house. Her work often explores identity, music, art, and African diaspora influences, which might introduce new dimensions to Hermès menswear without disrupting the brand’s core values.
Fashion industry commentators see this move as potentially expansive rather than disruptive: a way for Hermès to evolve its menswear identity thoughtfully while retaining its signature DNA of refinement and quality.
Looking Ahead
As Hermès prepares for this new creative era, all eyes will be on Wales Bonner’s first runway collection in January 2027. Will it stay true to classic Hermès restraint? Will it redefine the brand’s codes for a new generation? Only time will tell but the appointment certainly suggests a dynamic future ahead for one of fashion’s most revered maisons.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Hermès, © Grace Wales Bonner
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