Which designer was appointed as the new Creative Director of menswear for Hermès in late 2025?

In a significant announcement in late 2025, Grace Wales Bonner was named the new Creative Director of menswear for the esteemed French luxury house Hermès. This appointment, made official on October 21, 2025, marked a notable shift for the brand, as she succeeded Véronique Nichanian, who had held the position for an impressive 37 years.

Wales Bonner, a British designer with Jamaican heritage, has garnered widespread acclaim for her eponymous label, launched in 2014 after her graduation from Central Saint Martins. Her design philosophy is characterized by a sophisticated blend of expert tailoring, intellectual rigor, and a deep exploration of cultural identity. She is particularly recognized for her work that thoughtfully examines Black male sexuality and identity, as well as the broader experiences of the diaspora, weaving these narratives into her collections with precision and artistry.

Her impressive career prior to joining Hermès includes numerous accolades, such as the LVMH Prize in 2016 and the CFDA International Men's Designer of the Year in 2021. Beyond her own label, she is also known for her highly successful and ongoing collaboration with Adidas, which has further expanded her global reach. Her appointment to Hermès is particularly historic, as she becomes the first Black woman to lead design at a major French luxury fashion house, reflecting a pivotal moment for inclusivity within the industry. She is expected to present her debut collection for Hermès in January 2027, while continuing to oversee her own brand.