Grace Wales Bonner Named New Creative Head of Hermès Men’s Collection
French luxury powerhouse Hermès has officially announced British designer Grace Wales Bonner as the new artistic director for its men’s ready-to-wear line, marking a new chapter for the iconic brand.
The 30-something designer, celebrated for her thoughtful blend of European craftsmanship and African influences, expressed her excitement at joining the French fashion house, calling it “a dream come true.” Her first collection for Hermès is set to debut on the runway in January 2027.
Wales Bonner steps into the role previously held by Véronique Nichanian, who led the men’s division for an impressive 37 years. Nichanian’s final collection was showcased during the Autumn/Winter 2026–2027 shows in Paris.
The appointment signals a continued wave of creative reshuffling across major fashion houses — including Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga, Loewe, and Jean Paul Gaultier — as luxury brands redefine their artistic direction amid shifting global markets.
Despite a slowdown in the luxury industry worldwide, Hermès remains strong, reporting more than a 7% revenue increase in the first half of the year, reaching €8 billion ($9.3 billion).
Wales Bonner, born to an English mother and Jamaican father, has earned multiple awards for her distinctive take on menswear, often exploring identity, heritage, and cultural narratives through her designs.
Reflecting on her creative journey, she once told The Guardian that she wasn’t sure whether she wanted to be “a historian or an artist” — a tension that continues to inspire her work.
Hermès artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas praised her appointment, saying, “Her modern perspective on craftsmanship and culture will continue to shape the spirit of our men’s ready-to-wear collection.”
