Deeply honoured – Grace Wales Bonner
British-Jamaican designer is new Hermès Menswear creative director
Published:Tuesday | October 21, 2025 | 1:57 PM
British-Jamaican designer Grace Wales Bonner said she is feeling "deeply honoured" following the announcement of her appointment as new creative director for Hermès men's ready-to-wear universe. She takes the helm from Véronique Nichanian, the artistic director of the men’s universe for the last 37 years, who is set to present her last show for the house in January during Paris Men's Fashion Week.
“I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the role of creative director of Hermès Menswear. It is a dream realised to embark on this new chapter, following in a lineage of inspired craftspeople and designers," Wales Bonner posted on Tuesday on Instagram via the Wales Bonner account.
She thanked Pierre-Alexis Dumas, general artistic director of Hermès, and Axel Dumas, executive chairman of Hermès, for the opportunity to guide the storied French fashion house.
"I wish to express my gratitude to Pierre-Alexis Dumas and Axel Dumas for the opportunity to bring my vision to this magical house," she said.
Wales Bonner will present her first collection for Hermès in January 2027. Pierre-Alexis Dumas has welcomed Grace Wales Bonner to the luxury house, praising her creative vision and fresh perspective on contemporary menswear.
“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’ creative mindset and approach. We are at the start of an enriching mutual dialogue," said Pierre-Alexis Dumas in a release.
Born in London to an English mother and Jamaican father, Wales Bonner launched her eponymous Wales Bonner brand in 2014 following her graduation from Central Saint Martins. Established as a menswear brand, it soon expanded to womenswear.
Known for her contemporary and innovative approach to design, she has received numerous accolades, including the 2015 Emerging Menswear Designer at the British Fashion Awards, the LVMH Young Designer Prize in 2016, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America International Men's Designer of the Year in 2021.
The brand has a long-standing partnership with adidas Originals and has collaborated with Anderson & Sheppard and Dior.
Wales Bonner is expected to continue running her namesake brand alongside her Hermès role.