Women's Lifestyle October 21, 2025 0 Comments

Hermès Just Broke the Mold: What Grace Wales Bonner’s Menswear Takeover Means for Fashion’s Future

Hermès just dropped a bombshell this morning: Grace Wales Bonner is stepping up as the new creative director for men’s ready-to-wear. After Veronique Nichanian’s staggering 37-year reign, one might wonder—what fresh twist can possibly follow such a long-standing legacy? Well, if anyone’s got the chops to pull off this enviable feat, it’s Grace. Fresh off her spotlight at the 2025 Met Gala and known for blending Savile Row sharpness with vibrant cultural nods—from football kits to her Jamaican roots—she’s got a unique vision that’s already got the fashion world buzzing. But here’s the kicker: we all have to hold our breath until January 2027 to see her first Hermès collection! Can one designer truly honor decades of menswear mastery while carving out a bold new chapter? I’m betting on yes, and honestly, I can’t wait to watch this creative saga unfold. LEARN MORE

This morning, Hermès announced that Grace Wales Bonner has been appointed as the creative director of men’s ready-to-wear. This follows the departure of Veronique Nichanian just last week, who had previously served as the house’s artistic director of menswear for 37 years. Wales Bonner will present her first collection for Hermès in January 2027.

Fresh from her role as part of the host committee for the 2025 Met Gala, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, Wales Bonner’s work embodies the celebration of Black Dandyism. With her namesake label founded just over 10 years ago, she married culture, craft, and style, pulling influences from Savile Row, football uniforms, and her Jamaican heritage alike. Nichanian set the precedent for excellence with her men’s collections at Hermès; they were consistently lauded for their ease of wear and depth of style. And Wales Bonner certainly has the credentials to succeed that legacy.

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Wales Bonner Spring 2026

The 35-year-old South Londoner graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2024. She received the CFDA Award for International Men’s Designer of the Year in 2021 and British Menswear Designer of the Year at the Fashion Awards in 2024. Her designs have been worn by Solange, Lewis Hamilton, FKA Twigs, Kendrick Lamar, Naomi Campbell, Leon Bridges, and more. She has collaborated with brands such as Adidas, Stüssy, and Yohji Yamamoto’s Y-3.

“Grace’s appetite and curiosity for artistic practice strongly resonate with Hermès’ creative mindset and approach,” said Pierre-Alexis Dumas, General Artistic Director of Hermès in an official statement. “We are at the start of an enriching mutual dialogue.” Wales Bonner is the first Black woman to lead creative the esteemed French leather goods founded in 1837. On a broader scale, she is one of the few women, let alone women of color, to helm a major house at the moment.

formal attire worn at a prestigious event

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Lewis Hamilton wears Wales Bonner at the 2025 Met Gala

“I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the role of Creative Director of Hermès Men’s Ready-to-Wear,” said Wales Bonner. “It is a dream realised to embark on this new chapter, following in a lineage of inspired craftspeople and designers.” This is an appointment the fashion world is already thrilled for. At the close of a musical-chairs-style season of designer debuts, it stands out as one of the most exciting and considered pairings of designer and house. Now comes the hard part: waiting until January 2027.