Good news for British fashion: the French design house Hermès has announced Grace Wales Bonner as its new creative director.
Wales Bonner, who was born in South London and is best known for running her own label of the same name, will be taking over as Creative Director of Men’s Ready-to-Wear, and will present her first collection for the brand in January 2027.
“I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the role of Creative Director of Hermès Men’s Ready-to-Wear,” she said in a statement. “It is a dream realised to embark on this new chapter, following in a lineage of inspired craftspeople and designers.”
The 35-year-old British designer founded her menswear brand in 2014 — the year she graduated from the London fashion school Central Saint Martins – before introducing a womenswear line in 2018.
It has since gone from strength to strength: in addition to a longstanding collaboration with Adidas, she won the CFDA Award for International Men’s Designer of the Year in 2021 and British Menswear Designer of the Year at the Fashion Awards in 2024.
She’s been kept busy well into 2025. Earlier this year, one of her suits (velvet, encrusted with cowrie shells) was included as an exhibit at this year’s Met Gala exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. For the gala, Wales Bonner dressed co-chair Lewis Hamilton, as well as fellow stars FKA twigs, Omar Apollo and Jeff Goldblum — all that, and she also made a return to the Paris catwalks in June 2025 to present her SS26 collection.
“For menswear, Paris is basically the place to be. I am speaking a lot about heritage and tradition, so I think Paris is the place where you can have those conversations,” she explained.
Despite rumours that the vacant Hermès role might go to somebody already on the team, the brand clearly decided to bet on Wales Bonner’s talent. She’ll be succeeding Véronique Nichanian – who will be stepping down after 37 years after the Paris Men’s show in January.
“I am really pleased to welcome Grace to the Hermès Artistic Director family. Her take on contemporary fashion, craft and culture will contribute to shaping Hermès men’s style, melding the house’s heritage with a confident look on the now,” Pierre-Alexis Dumas, General Artistic Director of Hermès, added.
“Grace’s appetite and curiosity for artistic practice strongly resonate with Hermès’ creative mindset and approach. We are at the start of an enriching mutual dialogue.”
Best pieces to shop from the Adidas x Wales Bonner collection
Adidas X Wales Bonner shell anorak
Blending sportswear with style, this slip-on anorak is as useful for weekend runs as it will be in the beer garden.
£300, Harvey Nichols
Adidas X Wales Bonner terry polo shirt
Say hello to the last polo shirt you'll ever need. The sporty piece bears Adidas's signature motifs and comes in a cosy terry fabric that's ideal for lounging or post-gym hangouts.
£160, Harvey Nichols
Adidas X Wales Bonner open-knit T-shirt
This tee takes layering to a whole new level, texturally. The monochrome palette means it should slip easily into your existing wardrobe rotation.
£180, Harvey Nichols
Adidas X Wales Bonner piqué jersey track trousers
Comfort may be king, but it doesn't have to come at the sacrifice of style, as proved by these trackies from the collab.
£220, Harvey Nichols
Adidas X Wales Bonner Superstar brushed suede sneakers
Available in sizes 3 - 7, up your shoe game with these suede hi-tops.
£240, Harvey Nichols
