Grace Wales Bonner Appointed New Menswear Creative Director at Hermès

Grace Wales Bonner, a name increasingly recognized in the fashion world, has officially ascended to a new echelon of influence, having been appointed the new creative director of menswear at the prestigious French luxury house Hermès. This significant announcement on Tuesday marks a pivotal moment for the designer, signaling her transition from a rising star to a major industry player.

While the news is out, fashion enthusiasts will need to exercise patience to witness her full creative impact at Hermès. The 35-year-old menswear specialist, who established her eponymous label in 2014, is slated to unveil her inaugural collection for the ultra-luxury brand in January 2027. Importantly, the UK-based designer, also known for her collaboration with Adidas, will maintain her independent label concurrently with her new role.

Wales Bonner's appointment follows the departure of Véronique Nichanian, who has had an extraordinary and lengthy tenure as the brand's longest-standing creative chief, stepping down after an impressive 37 years at Hermès. Nichanian’s final collection will be presented this January, and the brand's SS27 collection, which will be conceptualized by the in-house studio, will not be showcased at the runway event in June 2026.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new hire, Pierre-Alexis Dumas, general artistic director of Hermès, welcomed Wales Bonner, stating, “I am really pleased to welcome Grace to the Hermès artistic director family. 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’s creative mindset and approach. We are at the start of an enriching mutual dialogue.” Grace Wales Bonner, in turn, described the role as a "dream" and expressed her deep honor at the appointment.

Indeed, Wales Bonner's trajectory has been on an upward curve for quite some time, with many industry insiders anticipating her eventual leadership at a major fashion house. The English-Jamaican designer honed her skills at Central Saint Martins, establishing her namesake label immediately after graduation. While initially concentrating on menswear, she successfully introduced womenswear to her brand in 2018. Her talent has been consistently recognized with a series of prestigious awards, including the emerging menswear designer title at the British Fashion Awards in 2015, the LVMH Young Designer Prize in 2016, and the CFDA International Men’s Designer of the Year in 2021.

Beyond critical acclaim, Wales Bonner has also made her mark dressing A-list celebrities such as Lewis Hamilton and FKA Twigs. However, her new position at Hermès undeniably represents the most significant role of her career to date. While leading a category at any major house presents its unique set of challenges, she steps into this role during a favorable period for Hermès, with the brand experiencing robust growth in its ready-to-wear sales. This momentum provides an exciting backdrop for Wales Bonner to infuse her distinctive vision into the revered French luxury house.