Every now and then, fashion serves up a story that feels both surprising and completely expected. Now is one of those moments: British designer Grace Wales Bonner has officially been appointed as the new creative director of Men's ready-to-wear at Hermès.

For those familiar with her trajectory, this announcement feels like the culmination of a journey years in the making. Wales Bonner, now 35, launched her eponymous label in 2014, fresh out of London’s Central Saint Martins. From the beginning, her collections stood apart for their precise tailoring, thoughtful cultural references, and an almost poetic sense of storytelling through clothing. She won the CFDA International Men’s Designer of the Year (2021) and British Menswear Designer of the Year (2024), and her long-standing collaboration with adidas only expanded her reach and winning her a devoted global following.

Whenever a major fashion house hinted at leadership changes – Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and beyond – Wales Bonner’s name was rarely absent from the rumour mill. She has long been seen as one of the industry’s most promising creative voices. And, as she once confessed in an interview, Hermès was always her dream role. Now, that dream has become her reality.

“I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the role of Creative Director of Hermès Men’s Ready-to-Wear," Wales Bonner said of the appointment. "It is a dream realised to embark on this new chapter, following in a lineage of inspired craftspeople and designers.”

The timing couldn’t be more symbolic. Just last week, Véronique Nichanian stepped down after an astonishing 37 years at the helm of Hermès Men's ready-to-wear. Such longevity is almost unheard of in fashion, which makes this leadership change feel especially monumental. With her appointment, Wales Bonner not only inherits a legacy but also makes history – she becomes the first Black woman to lead design at a major French luxury house.

Pierre-Alexis Dumas, General Artistic Director of Hermès, welcomed the appointment, highlighting her ability to weave together “craft, culture, and contemporary fashion.” For a brand built on heritage but always seeking to remain modern, Wales Bonner represents both continuity and evolution.

This isn’t just a new job for her – it’s a defining career milestone, one that challenges the traditional mould of who gets to guide the future of luxury fashion. And for Hermès, it signals a bold step toward embracing diverse voices and fresh perspectives.

A dream fulfilled? Without a doubt. But more than that, it’s a well-deserved moment for one of fashion’s most visionary talents.

When is her first collection with Hermès?

Wales Bonner’s debut collection for Hermès will arrive in January 2027.