Grace Wales Bonner, the acclaimed British designer, has been appointed as the new Creative Director of Menswear at the prestigious French fashion house Hermès.
This significant appointment marks Wales Bonner, a 35-year-old London native, as the first Black woman to helm design at a major fashion house, according to reports in The New York Times.
In an official statement, Wales Bonner expressed her profound gratitude, stating she was “deeply honoured to be entrusted with the role.”
She succeeds Véronique Nichanian, who has served as the Artistic Director of the menswear division for an impressive 37 years.
Nichanian’s final collection for Hermès is slated to be showcased in Paris this January, with Wales Bonner’s debut collection anticipated in 2027.
Wales Bonner further commented, “It is a dream realised to embark on this new chapter, following in a lineage of inspired craftspeople and designers.”
She also extended her appreciation to the leadership at Hermès “for the opportunity to bring my vision to this magical house.”
Reporting on the announcement, Vogue noted: “While industry insiders speculated about an internal promotion, Hermès opted for a renowned talent.”
Born in London to an English mother and Jamaican father, Wales Bonner established her eponymous label in 2014, shortly after her graduation from Central Saint Martins College of Art.
According to Vogue, Wales Bonner will continue to develop her namesake brand alongside her new responsibilities at Hermès.
She has dressed notable figures such as F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, musician FKA Twigs, and actor Jeff Goldblum for this year’s Met Gala, and has collaborated with musician Solange Knowles on exclusive T-shirt designs.
Wales Bonner’s influence extends beyond fashion, having curated an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and hosted musical performances at London’s Serpentine Galleries.
She also maintains a long-standing partnership with Adidas and was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2022 for her contributions to the fashion industry.
Pierre-Alexis Dumas, General Artistic Director of Hermès, stated: “I am truly delighted to welcome Grace to the Hermès artistic director family.”
“Her perspective on contemporary fashion, craftsmanship, and culture will contribute to shaping Hermès men’s style, seamlessly blending the house’s heritage with a confident vision of the present.”
“Grace’s passion and curiosity for artistic expression align strongly with Hermès’s creative ethos and approach. We anticipate an enriching and collaborative dialogue.”
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