Thirty-seven years, seventy-six shows, a vision carved in time. Véronique Nichanian, artistic director of Hermès menswear since 1988, has announced that the January collection will be her last. “Now feels like the right time to hand over the baton”, she told Le Figaro. An announcement that marks the end of an era defined by quiet elegance, noble materials and absolute creative freedom. Thus closes Nichanian’s reign — one of the longest and most consistent sartorial narratives in contemporary fashion. The name of her successor is now awaited.
The end of an era
Long the longest-serving creative director in the industry, Nichanian joined Hermès at the invitation of Jean-Louis Dumas. Season after season, she built a refined masculine vocabulary grounded in understated tailoring and tones of black, grey and earth. Her silhouettes, always balanced, evolved over time without ever betraying the maison’s identity. “For me, there isn’t one Hermès man, but many Hermès men”, she once said, claiming an inclusive and fluid approach to menswear. Her Spring/Summer 2026 collection, presented last June, once again centred on the house’s signature codes — above all, leather, the equestrian world and craftsmanship. Her work has also contributed significantly to Hermès’ commercial success: according to Fashion Network, in 2024 the clothing and small leather goods category generated EUR 4.4 billion out of a total EUR 15.17 billion.
Passing the baton
In its official statement, Hermès paid tribute to Nichanian in words that captured her stature: “A tightrope walker in love with life, she has always struck the right tone without ever compromising on standards, quality or humour”. The house acknowledged her contribution to shaping a contemporary masculine language built on what she once called “selfish” details, a constant search for materials and an unending reinvention of clothing and its uses.
“I have decided to present my final collection for the maison on 24 January. Since 1988, working for Hermès has been an immense pleasure. I am very proud to have been part of this great family, where I have been able to flourish, enjoying complete creative freedom”, Nichanian said. Her farewell thus feels like the natural conclusion to an extraordinarily long creative tenure — but also a passing of the baton, leaving behind a vision that has redefined Hermès’ masculine universe over the past forty years.
Photo: Hermès
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