Hermès menswear designer Nichanian presents final collection after 37 years

Véronique Nichanian presented her final Hermès men's collection at Paris Fashion Week after 37 years leading the house's menswear, and received a standing ovation; Grace Wales Bonner is set to succeed her and will show her first Hermès menswear collection next January.

Véronique Nichanian presented her final Hermès men's collection during Paris Fashion Week and acknowledged a standing ovation. The Fall-Winter 2026 show was staged at the Palais Brongniart. The collection emphasized material-driven, understated pieces in a restrained palette, and included several archival looks. Hermès announced in October that London-based designer Grace Wales Bonner will succeed Nichanian and is scheduled to present her first Hermès menswear collection next January. Notable details: - Nichanian has led Hermès menswear for 37 years and opened the show that was described as her final collection. - The runway featured silk turtlenecks paired with leather trousers, leather patchwork overcoats, and shearling linings in navy, black and taupe. - Several archival pieces were reworked for the show, including a navy leather suit first shown in 2003 and a mocha calfskin jumpsuit from 1991. - Controlled flashes of color, including orange and yellow jackets, contrasted with the quieter tones. - One highlighted look was a glossy khaki crocodile-skin suit, noted alongside the collection's leather, silk and tailored outerwear. - Hermès said Grace Wales Bonner will succeed Nichanian and will be the first Black woman reported to lead a major fashion house; Nichanian will remain at Hermès overseeing men's accessories and silk. Summary: Nichanian's final show marks a planned leadership transition at Hermès after nearly four decades leading the house's menswear. Wales Bonner is scheduled to present her first Hermès menswear collection next January, and Nichanian will continue with responsibilities for men's accessories and silk. Undetermined at this time