The last collection designed by Véronique Nichanian, artistic director of Hermès menswear for 37 years, will be the one shown on Saturday, January 24, 2026, during Paris Fashion Week. Then there will be the changing of the guard.

Grace Wales Bonner has been named the new creative director of men’s ready-to-wear for French fashion house Hermès. The appointment means Wales Bonner, a 35-year-old from London, is now the first black woman to lead design at a major fashion house, according to the New York Times.

The founder and artistic director of Wales Bonner has developed a contemporary and innovative approach to menswear over the last 10 years. Passionate about craft and culture, she will present her first collection for Hermès in January 2027. A 2014 graduate of Central Saint Martins, Wales Bonner has received awards, 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.

“I am really pleased to welcome Grace to the Hermès Artistic Director family," commented Pierre-Alexis Dumas, general artistic director of Hermès. "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. 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.”

“I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the role of creative director of Hermès men’s ready-to-wear," said Grace Wales Bonner. "It is a dream realised to embark on this new chapter, following in a lineage of inspired craftspeople and designers. I wish to express my gratitude to Pierre-Alexis Dumas and Axel Dumas for the opportunity to bring my vision to this magical house.”