British designer Grace Wales Bonner has been named as the new creative director of men’s ready-to-wear by French luxury house Hermes.
Speaking of the appointment, Pierre-Alexis Dumas, general artistic director at Hermes, said of Wales Bonner: “Her take on contemporary fashion, craft and culture will contribute to shaping Hermes men’s style, melding the house’s heritage with a confident look on the now.”
In a statement, Wales Bonner said: “The opportunity to bring my vision to this magical house ... is a dream realised, following in a lineage of inspired craftspeople and designers.”
The designer will take over from Veronique Nichanian, who is stepping down after 37 years in the role. One of fashion’s most respected veterans, Nichanian has been instrumental in building Hermes's reputation for languid, effortless clothing that transcend trends.
Having graduated from London’s Central Saint Martins, Wales Bonner launched her eponymous brand in 2015, creating menswear that mixed sportswear with impeccable tailoring. Her work often references the ongoing narrative surrounding colonialism. In addition, she has a long-running footwear collaboration with adidas, a partnership that introduced her work to a new audience, as well other high-profile tie-ups, including Stussy.
With the appointment, Hermes retains its record of having women designers heading both its women's and men's divisions while, as a woman of colour, Wales Bonner also becomes the first black woman to lead a major luxury house.
Her appointment stands in opposition to other recent, big-name fashion house roles, that have almost universally put white men in prime positions.
Only three other women currently lead divisions at major houses: Louise Trotter was named creative director at Bottega Veneta in January 2025; Sarah Burton has led Givenchy since September 2024; and ex-Dior designer Maria Grazia Chiuri was handed the reins at Fendi this month.
In contrast, all the other recent hires – at Chanel, Versace, Dior, Maison Margiela, Balenciaga, Celine and Gucci – have placed male designers in head roles. There is no doubting their talent, or that each will bring something fresh and dynamic to their respective roles. However, in an industry dominated by white men in ownership and chief executive roles, it feels regrettably formulaic.
Wales Bonner's debut show has been announced for January 2027, a full year after her predecessor Nichanian delivers her final show, which is scheduled for January 2026, during Paris men's fashion week. Hermes has announced it will skip the men's shows in June.
