Wales Bonner succeeds Véronique Nichanian after nearly four decades at the house
Hermès International has appointed Grace Wales Bonner as its new menswear creative director, succeeding Véronique Nichanian, who announced her departure on October 16 after 37 years at the house.
“I am very happy to welcome Grace into our family of artistic directors,” said Pierre-Alexis Dumas, artistic director of Hermès. “Her contemporary vision of fashion, craftsmanship, and culture will continue to shape the style of Hermès men’s ready-to-wear, confidently blending her perspective on the times with the house’s heritage. Grace’s taste and curiosity for artistic practice strongly resonate with Hermès’ creative approach. This is only the beginning of a dialogue that will continue to grow.”
“I am deeply honored,” said Wales Bonner,
Beginning this new chapter and joining such a lineage of artisans and creators is a dream for me. I express my sincere gratitude to Axel Dumas and Pierre-Alexis Dumas for giving me the opportunity to bring my vision to this truly magical house.”
The appointment signals continuity within the storied French maison, known for its enduring craftsmanship and subtle evolution rather than radical reinvention. Wales Bonner’s refined yet soulful approach to menswear, which blends British tailoring with cross-cultural narratives, aligns naturally with Hermès’ discreet elegance.
A graduate of Central Saint Martins, the British-Jamaican designer founded her namesake label in 2014, quickly earning acclaim for her intellectually grounded collections exploring identity, history, and the African diaspora. Her accolades include the LVMH Young Designer Prize in 2016 and the British Fashion Award for Emerging Menswear Designer. She has since expanded into womenswear and collaborations with brands and artists including Adidas, Dior, and Kerry James Marshall.
In 2023, Wales Bonner was invited as the guest designer for Pitti Uomo and curated a MoMA exhibition as part of the museum’s “Artist’s Choice” series. Her decade-old label has become a fixture of Paris Fashion Week, celebrated for its blend of precision tailoring, spiritual depth, and cultural storytelling.
Wales Bonner’s first collection for Hermès will debut in 2026, ushering in a new era of thoughtful modernity for the house’s menswear line.