Hermès has officially appointed Grace Wales Bonner as its new menswear creative director, marking one of the most significant fashion appointments of the decade.
The London-born designer succeeds Véronique Nichanian, who steps down after an extraordinary 37-year tenure—the longest of any creative director in luxury fashion. In a statement, Pierre-Alexis Dumas, Hermès artistic director, welcomed Wales Bonner to the house, praising her “contemporary vision of fashion, craftsmanship, and culture” and her ability to blend modern perspective with the brand’s storied heritage.
Wales Bonner has mentioned she was “deeply honoured” by the appointment, describing it as the beginning of “a new chapter” in her creative journey. Since founding her eponymous label in 2014 after graduating from Central Saint Martins, the British-Jamaican designer has earned international acclaim for her refined tailoring and cultural depth. Her accolades include the LVMH Young Designer Prize and collaborations with adidas Originals and Dior.
With this appointment, Wales Bonner becomes the first Black woman to lead design at a major French luxury house, marking a historic moment for both Hermès and the wider fashion industry.
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