PARIS — Hermès International has announced Grace Wales Bonner as the house’s next menswear creative director.

Wales Bonner will succeed Véronique Nichanian, who announced her departure Thursday. Nichanian had been fashion’s longest-serving creative director, after a 37-year tenure at the house.

“I am very happy to welcome Grace into our family of artistic directors. Her contemporary vision of fashion, craftsmanship and culture will continue to shape the style of Hermès men’s ready-to-wear, confidently blending her perspective on the times with the house’s heritage. Grace’s taste and curiosity for artistic practice strongly resonate with Hermès’ creative approach. This is only the beginning of a dialogue that will continue to grow,” said Hermès artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas.



“I am deeply honored,” added Wales Bonner. “Beginning this new chapter and joining such a lineage of artisans and creators is a dream for me. I express my sincere gratitude to [Hermès chief executive officer] Axel Dumas and Pierre-Alexis Dumas for giving me the opportunity to bring my vision to this truly magical house.”

UPDATE: Hermès Shares Rise Following the Appointment of Grace Wales Bonner

The move comes as luxury experts widely expected Hermès to choose from inside the house over radical change for the once-in-a-generation handover, especially since its ready-to-wear business is strong. 

Wales Bonner presents her decade-old namesake brand in Paris. Her most recent collection was brimming with Wales Bonner’s signature high-low tailoring, adding pizzazz to formal tailoring and her signature pearl touches, as noted in WWD’s review.

Her work is known for its cerebral quality and an intimate connection to history, identity and art. She reimagines classic tailoring, incorporating textured embellishments, artisanal craftsmanship and cross-cultural elements.



She draws inspiration from art, film and the experiences of the African diaspora on both sides of the Atlantic.