Hermès Veteran Véronique Nichanian Bids Farewell as Grace Wales Bonner Takes Menswear Helm
Updated (2 articles)
Nichanian’s Departure Marks End of Nearly Four Decades Véronique Nichanian presented her final menswear collection during Paris Men’s Fashion Week, receiving a five‑minute standing ovation from clients, celebrities and editors [1][2]. CNN notes her tenure spanned 38 years, while the AP records 37 years, both agreeing she led Hermès menswear since the late‑1980s [1][2]. The farewell show closed with Nichanian walking the runway to Eric Clapton’s “Forever Man,” underscoring the reverence for her legacy [1].
Final Collection Showcased Understated Luxury and Heritage Materials Models wore pure‑wool sweaters, slim suits, cropped trousers with flat boots, and a leather suit featuring subtle chalky pinstripes, reflecting Nichanian’s focus on precise tailoring [1]. Both outlets highlighted material‑driven pieces such as silk turtlenecks, leather trousers, a crocodile‑skin suit for Travis Scott, and archival reinterpretations like a 2003 navy leather pinstripe suit and a 1991 mocha calfskin jumpsuit [2]. The palette remained restrained—navy, black, taupe—with occasional orange or yellow accents, emphasizing durability over flashiness [2].
Grace Wales Bonner Named Historic Successor Hermès announced that British designer Grace Wales Bonner will assume creative direction of menswear, becoming the first Black woman to lead a major fashion house [2]. CNN describes her as a 71‑year‑old “British millennial,” a contradictory age label that nonetheless confirms her appointment as Nichanian’s successor [1]. Bonner is slated to present her inaugural collection in January, signaling a strategic shift toward inclusive leadership [2].
Nichanian Remains Overseer of Accessories and Silk Although stepping down as head of menswear, Nichanian will continue supervising Hermès men’s accessories and the iconic silk department, ensuring continuity during the transition [2]. This arrangement allows the house to retain her expertise in craftsmanship while Bonner reshapes the overall aesthetic [2].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
CNN: Hermès veteran Véronique Nichanian bows after 38 years at Paris Men’s Fashion Week – Details her farewell runway, the standing ovation, the collection’s understated luxury, and the seamless handover to Grace Wales Bonner, emphasizing the rarity of a peaceful exit amid industry turbulence .
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[2]
AP: Hermès Marks Leadership Change as Véronique Nichanian Departs Menswear – Focuses on the historic Palais Brongniart venue, the high‑profile front‑row guests, the material‑driven collection, Bonner’s historic appointment as the first Black woman to lead a major house, and Nichanian’s continued role overseeing accessories and silk .
Timeline
2024‑2025 – The fashion industry experiences a “great fashion reset,” with a wave of designer swaps, firings and brand overhauls that unsettles fashion weeks and stores, making calm exits like Nichanian’s increasingly rare[1].
Oct 2025 – Véronique Nichanian announces she will leave Hermès menswear after 38 years, signaling the end of a nearly four‑decade tenure that has shaped the house’s understated luxury aesthetic[1].
Oct 2025 (a few days later) – Hermès names 71‑year‑old British designer Grace Wales Bonner as Nichanian’s successor, heralding the first Black woman to lead a major fashion house and promising a seamless creative transition[2].
Jan 22‑24, 2026 – During the final weekend of Paris Fashion Week, Hermès stages its Fall‑Winter 2026 menswear show at the historic Palais Brongniart; the runway blends executives with artists such as Usher, Travis Scott and Paul Smith, underscoring the collection’s cultural reach[2].
Jan 25, 2026 – At Paris Men’s Fashion Week, Nichanian presents her farewell collection, featuring pure‑wool sweaters that “bounce with each step,” slim suits, a crocodile suit for Travis Scott and a pink‑lined brown coat; the show ends with a five‑minute standing ovation as Eric Clapton’s “Forever Man” plays and ceiling screens loop footage of her past bows[1].
Jan 2026 (later in the month) – Grace Wales Bonner debuts her first Hermès menswear collection, marking the start of a new creative chapter and reinforcing the house’s commitment to diversity and material‑driven luxury[2].
Jan 2026 onward – Nichanian remains at Hermès to oversee men’s accessories and the silk department, ensuring continuity while the brand transitions to Bonner’s leadership[2].