Grace Wales Bonner Is the New Menswear Creative Director at Hermès

Wales Bonner’s debut Hermès collection is set to be presented in January 2027

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The realm of luxury clothing is seeing a significant transition. Shortly after Hermès declared Véronique Nichanian's resignation as the brand's menswear creative director after 37 years, the French fashion house has officially appointed British designer Grace Wales Bonner as her replacement. This decision indicates a significant transformation for the house, embracing one of the industry's most esteemed intellectuals and innovators.

The 35-year-old designer realizes a lifelong aspiration to collaborate with the house, an objective she articulated in an interview with System Magazine. Wales Bonner, the originator of her namesake line and recognized for her extensive cultural studies, will integrate the Hermès aesthetic with her distinctive fusion of European sartorial legacy and Afro-Atlantic essence. Her work is characterized by a precise tailoring approach, inventive material utilization, and a nuanced yet significant reflection on identity—attributes that connect seamlessly with Hermès’ focus on craftsmanship and understated elegance.

The LVMH prize recipient possesses a remarkable, multifaceted history that transcends fashion; she is also a curator, writer, and artistic leader acknowledged for her collaborations with international companies such as adidas Originals and her exhibitions at institutions like MoMA. She has also styled Kendrick Lamar, Lewis Hamilton, and collaborated with Solange to create t-shirts. Her hiring is a crucial juncture, guaranteeing that the forthcoming phase of Hermès menswear will be directed by a discerning vision that aspires to be both commercially successful and critically lauded. Nichanian's final collection with Hermès is scheduled for January 2026, whereas Wales Bonner will unveil hers with the brand in January 2027.