Grace Wales Bonner has been named creative director of men’s ready-to-wear at French leather goods giant Hermès, succeeding veteran designer Véronique Nichanian who is exiting the company after 37 years in the role.
A graduate of London’s Central Saint Martins, Wales Bonner rose to prominence with a namesake label that blends tailoring and sportswear, exploring a broad range of references linked to post-colonial narratives and the Black diaspora.
With the nomination, Wales Bonner will become the first Black woman to be named creative director at a major luxury house.
“[Wales Bonner’s] 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,” Hermès general artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas said. “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.”
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