Hermès Menswear Marks Historic Transition as Véronique Nichanian Bids Farewell in Paris

Hermès menswear entered a historic new chapter in Paris as longtime designer Véronique Nichanian presented her final collection after nearly 40 years at the helm. The emotional runway show took place during Paris Fashion Week at the Palais Brongniart, drawing an unusually star-studded audience for the discreet French luxury house, which is traditionally known for avoiding flashy marketing and celebrity endorsements.

At 71, Nichanian closed an era defined by understated elegance, craftsmanship, and timeless luxury. The collection reflected her legacy, blending classic Hermès menswear codes with refined modernity. Models walked the runway in silk turtlenecks paired with leather trousers, presented in a restrained yet sophisticated palette of navy blue, black, and taupe. Tailored overcoats featured subtle leather patches and plush shearling linings, emphasizing texture and craftsmanship.

One of the standout looks was a shiny khaki crocodile-skin suit, highlighting Hermès’ mastery of luxury materials. Nichanian also paid tribute to her own design history by reintroducing iconic pieces from earlier collections, including a navy leather suit with topstitched pinstripes from 2003 and a mocha calfskin jumpsuit originally designed in 1991. Pops of orange and yellow appeared in jackets, adding moments of color to the otherwise muted collection.

The front row reflected the global influence of the brand, with R&B star Usher seen chatting with Hermès executive chairman Axel Dumas before the show. The audience also included fashion designer Paul Smith, rapper Travis Scott, and actors James McAvoy and Chace Crawford. As Nichanian stepped out for her final bow, she received a standing ovation, underscoring her impact on menswear and luxury fashion.

Hermès announced in October that British designer Grace Wales Bonner will succeed Nichanian. Wales Bonner, who will debut her first Hermès menswear collection next January, becomes the first Black woman to lead a major fashion house, marking a significant milestone for the global fashion industry.