Why Grace Wales Bonner’s Hermès appointment could redefine luxury menswear forever
Grace Wales Bonner joins Hermès menswear in 2027. Image Source: GQ/Christina Ebenezer
In a landmark move for the luxury fashion world, British designer Grace Wales Bonner has been appointed as the Creative Director of Men’s Ready-to-Wear at Hermès. The announcement signals more than a leadership change, it marks a deliberate evolution in the house’s menswear vision, blending heritage craftsmanship with an empowered, culturally rich aesthetic. The 35-year-old designer will succeed long-time director Véronique Nichanian and is slated to present her debut collection in January 2027.
What Her Appointment Means for Hermès and Luxury Menswear
By selecting Wales Bonner, Hermès is clearly signaling a shift: from traditional luxury messaging to something more culturally attuned and globally relevant. The house praised her “take on contemporary fashion, craft and culture” as aligning with its mindset. Her appointment makes her the first Black woman to lead menswear at a major luxury house, setting a major industry precedent.
This transition comes at a strategic moment: Hermès’ menswear business grew 5.5 % in H1 2025 to €2.26 billion, underscoring the importance of the menswear division. With her appointment, the house aims to extend its heritage while injecting new cultural energy, expect a menswear future that honours artistry and broadens relevance.
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Grace Wales Bonner’s Journey: From London to Luxury Leadership
Wales Bonner’s past experience makes her uniquely equipped for this role. A London-born designer of English and Jamaican heritage, she graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2014 and launched her eponymous label that same year.
Her early work earned rapid recognition: Emerging Menswear Designer at the British Fashion Awards in 2015, the LVMH Young Designer Prize in 2016, and later the CFDA International Men’s Designer of the Year in 2021.
Wales Bonner’s signature style blends rigorous tailoring with sportswear references, Afro-Atlantic cultural cues and a refined academic approach to clothing. Her SS26 collection, for example, referenced “Black dandyism”, athletic heritage and sartorial elegance. Prior collaborations with major brands like Adidas and cultural institutions such as MoMA highlight her interdisciplinary strength.
What to Expect from Her Role at Hermès
Wales Bonner will continue to run her label while assuming creative leadership at Hermès, an indication the house values her unique voice. Her first collection for Hermès will be unveiled January 2027, allowing ample time for transition and concept development.
Her influence is likely to bring a menswear aesthetic that marries the brand’s artisanal roots with a sharper cultural lens, thus broadening Hermès’ appeal among younger, diverse luxury consumers. Look for refined tailoring infused with narrative, tone-setting materials and a re-imagined approach to legacy menswear.
Why This Appointment Matters Beyond One Brand
Wales Bonner’s elevation is significant not just for Hermès but for the broader luxury and fashion ecosystem. The appointment underscores a growing industry awareness that leadership diversity and cultural authenticity are no longer optional, they’re strategic assets. It also opens a door for fresh voices in luxury menswear and helps reposition an established house for the future.
For emerging designers, it signals that path-breaking creativity and cultural fluency are now key credentials at the highest levels. For consumers, it promises menswear that speaks not just to style but to identity, craft and meaningful innovation.
Looking Ahead: A Long, Influential Chapter Begins
Grace Wales Bonner’s new role at Hermès marks the start of what could be a generational shift. As she prepares her debut collection for 2027, the fashion world will be watching how she navigates legacy and reinvention. With her proven track record and distinctive voice, she is uniquely positioned to lead Hermès menswear into a new era, one where heritage and cultural relevance converge.
The announcement may well go down as one of the most pivotal appointments of the decade, both for the house and for luxury fashion at large.
FAQ
Who is Grace Wales Bonner?
Grace Wales Bonner is a British fashion designer of English and Jamaican heritage, best known for her eponymous brand Wales Bonner founded in 2014. Her work blends European tailoring with Afro-Atlantic cultural narratives, redefining modern menswear with intellectual depth and global influence.
What is Grace Wales Bonner’s new role at Hermès?
In October 2025, Hermès appointed Grace Wales Bonner as its new Creative Director of Men’s Ready-to-Wear. She will officially present her debut collection in January 2027, succeeding Véronique Nichanian after her 37-year tenure.
Why is Grace Wales Bonner’s appointment important?
Her appointment is historic—Grace Wales Bonner becomes the first Black woman to lead menswear design at a major luxury fashion house. It also marks a strategic step for Hermès toward a more inclusive, culturally conscious direction in luxury fashion.
What will change at Hermès under Grace Wales Bonner?
Under her leadership, Hermès menswear is expected to blend its heritage craftsmanship with Wales Bonner’s signature storytelling, merging sportswear, fine tailoring, and cultural symbolism. Expect a more narrative-driven, globally resonant aesthetic.
When will Grace Wales Bonner’s first collection for Hermès debut?
Her debut collection for Hermès is scheduled for January 2027, during Paris Men’s Fashion Week. The SS27 collection will mark a major creative transition for the house.
Will Grace Wales Bonner continue her own brand?
Yes. Hermès confirmed that Wales Bonner will continue running her namesake label while serving as creative director of its menswear division, balancing independent creativity with heritage leadership.
What awards has Grace Wales Bonner won?
She has received multiple prestigious awards, including:
- LVMH Young Designer Prize (2016)
- British Fashion Awards Emerging Menswear Designer (2015)
- CFDA International Men’s Designer of the Year (2021)
She is also a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her contribution to fashion.
What is Grace Wales Bonner’s design style?
Her design style is intellectual and cross-cultural, blending British tailoring, African heritage, sportswear elements, and historical storytelling. Each collection reflects deep academic and artistic research, often referencing Black identity and diaspora.
What brands has Grace Wales Bonner collaborated with?
Wales Bonner is widely known for her successful collaboration with Adidas, where she reinvented the classic Samba sneaker and created retro-futuristic sportswear collections. She has also worked with Dior, MoMA, and various music and art institutions.
What does this mean for the future of Hermès menswear?
With her vision, Hermès menswear is poised to enter a new era of creativity and global resonance. Analysts expect her to introduce modern silhouettes, culturally enriched narratives, and fresh commercial appeal, while preserving the luxury house’s artisanal DNA.
Has Grace Wales Bonner worked with other luxury brands before Hermès?
Yes. She previously collaborated with Dior on limited edition pieces and was frequently shortlisted for roles at houses like Louis Vuitton and Givenchy, making this Hermès appointment both anticipated and fitting.