Grace Wales Bonner Takes the Helm at Hermès Menswear

By Alexus Mosley

In a landmark move for luxury fashion, British designer Grace Wales Bonner has been named Creative Director of Men’s Ready-to-Wear at the storied French house Hermès.  The appointment marks not only a pivotal moment for the brand but also a powerful evolution of identity in the world of high-end menswear.

For nearly four decades, Hermès’ men’s line was led by Véronique Nichanian, whose tenure began in 1988.  With Wales Bonner stepping into the role, the maison signals both respect for its deep roots and readiness for contemporary resonance. Hermès said Wales Bonner’s take on “contemporary fashion, craft and culture” will shape the brand’s men’s vision, melding its heritage with a confident, now-focused look. 

Wales Bonner is no stranger to breaking boundaries. A Central Saint Martins graduate, she founded her eponymous menswear label in 2014, later expanding into womenswear.  Her aesthetic blends the precision of Savile Row-inspired tailoring with Afro-Atlantic cultural references and an intellectual approach to design. Her accolades speak to her influence: among them the LVMH Young Designer Prize (2016) and the CFDA International Men’s Designer of the Year (2021).  She has also collaborated with major brands (including adidas) and has exhibited work in institutional settings, underscoring her creative breadth. 

Wales Bonner’s first collection for Hermès is scheduled for January 2027.  In the meantime, Hermès will skip its June 2026 men’s show, allowing time for the transition.  Given her signature approach — tailoring meets cultural narrative — we can anticipate a men’s Hermès that honors craft and tradition while opening to new dialogues of identity, elegance, and global influence.