In the unexpected announcement, it was revealed Wales Bonner, 35, will succeed designer Véronique Nichanian, who is stepping down after 37 years.
“I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the role of Creative Director of Hermès Men’s Ready-to-Wear,” Wales Bonner said in a statement announcing the move.
“It is a dream realised to embark on this new chapter, following in a lineage of inspired craftspeople and designers.”
Wales Bonner created her own namesake menswear brand in 2014, a favourite of fashion figures and celebrities in, and well beyond, the UK. She dressed Lewis Hamilton, Jeff Goldblum and FKA Twigs for this year’s Met Gala.
Her inimitable style blends British tailoring with fresh and surprising elements that draw inspiration from different cultures, art, artisanal detail and regularly blur the line between traditional masculine and feminine garment codes.
The designer’s name and style has picked up wider recognition in recent years thanks to a popular collaboration with sports and streetwear giant Adidas on a range of shoes and clothing. Her creative take on Adidas’ Samba sneaker has been a hot ticket, with new colourways and fabrications quickly selling out.
A 2014 graduate of Central Saint Martins, Wales Bonner has received a number of awards since her label’s inception including 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.
Pierre-Alexis Dumas, General Artistic Director of Hermès said the designer’s take on contemporary fashion, craft and culture will contribute to shaping Hermès men’s style.
“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.”
Wales Bonner will show her first collection for the brand in January 2027.
