Hermes menswear designer Veronique Nichanian takes final bow after 37 years
Hermes’ fall/winter 2026 menswear show in Paris became a farewell for longtime designer Veronique Nichanian, as the house prepares for Grace Wales Bonner’s debut next January.
Designer Veronique Nichanian accepts applause after the Hermes fall/winter 2026-2027 Men's collection presented in Paris, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
With Paris Fashion Week menswear heading into its final weekend, Hermes marked a transition Saturday as Veronique Nichanian presented her final men’s collection after 37 years leading the house’s menswear and then stepped out to acknowledge a standing ovation.
The fall/winter 2026 show was staged at the Palais Brongniart, the former Paris stock exchange.
The front row blended Hermes executives with a broader-than-usual mix of musicians, actors and designers.
Singer Usher was seen ahead of the show with Hermes executive chairman Axel Dumas. Rapper Travis Scott, actors James McAvoy and Chace Crawford, and designer Paul Smith were among those attending.
UNDERSTATEMENT IS HER SIGNATURE
On the runway, Nichanian delivered the kind of material-driven, understated wardrobe that has long defined Hermes men’s clothing.
Models wore silk turtlenecks paired with leather trousers in a restrained palette of navy, black and taupe.
Overcoats were built with leather patchwork elements and shearling linings, leaning into warmth and texture without showy excess.
ARCHIVE MATERIALS
Several looks drew directly from earlier seasons, with archival pieces incorporated into the lineup.
Among them were a navy leather suit with topstitched pinstripes first shown in 2003 and a mocha calfskin jumpsuit from 1991.
Colour arrived in controlled flashes, with orange and yellow jackets interrupting the darker tones.
One of the most striking pieces was a glossy khaki crocodile-skin suit, a statement look that stood apart from the quieter mix of leather, silk and tailored outerwear.
WALES BONNER
Hermes announced in October that London-based designer Grace Wales Bonner will succeed Nichanian.
Wales Bonner, founder of her eponymous label, is scheduled to present her first Hermes menswear collection next January.
Hermes has said she will become the first Black woman to lead a major fashion house.
Nichanian will remain with Hermes overseeing men’s accessories and silk, the company has said, as the brand’s menswear enters a new chapter.
