British designer Grace Wales Bonner has been appointed as the new Creative Director of Men’s Ready-to-Wear at Hermès, making history as the first Black woman to lead a major luxury fashion house. She takes over from Véronique Nichanian, who leaves the role after an incredible 37 years at the French heritage brand.
A graduate of Central Saint Martins, Wales Bonner — who has Jamaican roots — launched her namesake label in 2014 and quickly earned a reputation for her thoughtful, research-driven approach to fashion. Her collections often explore Black identity, post-colonial narratives, and the African diaspora, blending elements of tailoring, sportswear, and craft. Her collaboration with Adidas became a global success, reintroducing “Terrace” sneakers like the Samba to the forefront of fashion culture.
Over the years, Wales Bonner has drawn inspiration from powerful cultural touchstones — from Malick Sidibé’s portraits of 1960s Mali to West African dancehall scenes of the 1970s — translating these ideas into collections that balance intellect with beauty. Her work has earned numerous accolades, including the LVMH Prize (2016) and honors from both the British Fashion Council and the CFDA. In 2022, she was awarded an MBE for her services to fashion.
With this appointment, Wales Bonner becomes the first Black woman to lead design at a major European fashion house. Reflecting on her new role, she shared: “I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the role of creative director of Hermès menswear.”
Since 2018, Wales Bonner has expanded her label to include womenswear, and since 2023 she’s been showing her collections on the Paris Fashion Week calendar. Her pieces have also been featured at major cultural institutions, including The Met’s 2025 “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition and curated projects for London’s Serpentine Gallery and MoMA in New York.
The announcement comes during a year of major creative reshuffles across the luxury industry, many of which have been criticized for recycling the same white, male talent. Hermès’ decision to appoint Wales Bonner marks a rare and powerful shift — especially for a family-run brand deeply rooted in tradition.
Hermès has a long history of bold, visionary appointments. From Martin Margiela’s minimalist reinvention in the 1990s, to Jean Paul Gaultier’s theatrical flair, to Christophe Lemaire’s intellectual workwear aesthetic, and Nadège Vanhee’s modern twist on the brand’s equestrian roots — each has brought a distinct voice to the house. Nichanian herself built Hermès’ menswear identity around quiet sophistication and technical mastery, earning immense respect within the industry.
In a statement, Pierre-Alexis Dumas, the brand’s Artistic Director, praised Wales Bonner’s appointment:
“Grace’s vision of fashion, craft, and culture will help shape Hermès’ men’s style for a new era. Her curiosity and artistic sensibility align beautifully with Hermès’ spirit of creativity.”
For her part, Wales Bonner expressed deep gratitude and excitement about the new chapter:
“It is a dream realized to follow in the footsteps of such inspired craftspeople and designers. I’m thankful to Pierre-Alexis Dumas and Axel Dumas for the opportunity to bring my vision to this magical house.”
With Hermès’ ready-to-wear division up 15% last year, reaching €4.4 billion in sales, the appointment signals the brand’s confidence in combining heritage with a fresh perspective. Soft-spoken yet visionary, Grace Wales Bonner’s rise to one of fashion’s most prestigious roles feels not only well-deserved but profoundly timely.