Grace Wales Bonner has been named the new creative director of menswear at Hermès, becoming the first Black woman to lead menswear at a major European luxury house. She succeeds Véronique Nichanian, who held the role for nearly forty years. The appointment signals a major shift for the French brand, known for its quiet elegance and deep respect for tradition.
Born in London to a Jamaican father and English mother, Wales Bonner launched her own label in 2014. Her work blends European tailoring with Afro-Atlantic cultural references, earning praise for its depth, craftsmanship, and emotional resonance. She is a Central Saint Martins graduate, won the LVMH Prize in 2016, and has collaborated with Adidas, MoMA, and the Serpentine Galleries.
Her debut collection for Hermès is expected in January 2027. Observers anticipate a fresh vision that honors the house’s legacy while introducing more fluid forms and subtle nods to diaspora identity. Wales Bonner’s rise reflects a broader evolution in luxury fashion, where heritage meets new voices and global perspectives.
Born in London to a Jamaican father and English mother, Wales Bonner launched her own label in 2014. Her work blends European tailoring with Afro-Atlantic cultural references, earning praise for its depth, craftsmanship, and emotional resonance. She is a Central Saint Martins graduate, won the LVMH Prize in 2016, and has collaborated with Adidas, MoMA, and the Serpentine Galleries.
Her debut collection for Hermès is expected in January 2027. Observers anticipate a fresh vision that honors the house’s legacy while introducing more fluid forms and subtle nods to diaspora identity. Wales Bonner’s rise reflects a broader evolution in luxury fashion, where heritage meets new voices and global perspectives.
