A new chapter at Hermès
Grace Wales Bonner is announced as the new Creative Director at Hermès signalling a new chapter in their storied history.
Words by Greg McKeown
In a first for Hermès and fashion history, Hermès has appointed Grace Wales Bonner as the new creative director of men’s ready-to-wear, becoming the first female black designer to lead a major fashion house. The British designer, known for her marriage of creativity, cultural depth and craftsmanship, steps into a role defined by subtle evolution, succeeding Véronique Nichanian, who departs after a 37-year stint at the French brand.
For Hermès, a house steeped in heritage, the appointment of Wales Bonner represents a thoughtful shift and fresh perspective, rather than the current pattern of houses assigning new creative directors every other season. Her work has always been deliberate, weaving together bold concepts with an attention-to-detail that is specifically hers. From the nuanced tailoring of her own brand to her trend-setting collaborations with Adidas, she has consistently balanced storytelling with wearability – a philosophy that resonates deeply with Hermès’ own understated avant-garde vision.
As the designer herself noted, this is “a dream realised,” a continuation of her pursuit of craftsmanship as cultural expression. Under her vision, Hermès menswear seems poised to enter a new era of introspective luxury – where formality meets feeling, and luxe clothing speaks not only to elegance but also to identity and cultural significance.
All eyes will be on Wales Bonner in January 2027, where she will unveil her debut collection for Hermès in Paris. If her past work is any indication, it will be a moment defined not by spectacle, but by precision and purpose; the quiet kind of statement that lingers long after the runway lights go down.
