Grace Wales Bonner Becomes First Black Woman Creative Director at Hermès

Grace Wales Bonner has been appointed as the Creative Director of Hermès Men’s Ready-to-Wear, becoming the first Black woman to lead design at a major European luxury fashion house. She will succeed Véronique Nichanian, who held the position for 37 years and will present her final collection in January 2026, while Wales Bonner's first collection for Hermès is expected in January 2027. Known for blending European tailoring with African diasporic aesthetics and exploring culture and identity in her designs, Wales Bonner has garnered major accolades including the LVMH Prize and British Fashion Awards. Hermès' General Artistic Director, Pierre-Alexis Dumas, praised her contemporary vision that harmonizes the house's heritage with a modern outlook. Wales Bonner, born in London to a Jamaican father, has also collaborated with Adidas and Dior and curated exhibitions at MoMA. This historic appointment marks a milestone for diversity and inclusion in the luxury fashion industry, reflecting a significant shift toward broader representation in leadership roles.