This piece was first published on Vogue Business. To get the latest updates, subscribe here.
Hermès is entering a new chapter as Véronique Nichanian, the iconic artistic director for menswear, is set to depart after an impressive 37-year tenure, the brand announced on Thursday. She will unveil her final collection during the Paris men’s fashion week this coming January. A replacement is anticipated to be named shortly.
Starting her professional journey at Cerruti, Nichanian was recruited by Hermès’s then-CEO Jean-Louis Dumas in 1988 to oversee menswear. Her reputation was built on innovative, practical designs that captivated audiences with luxurious fabrics and striking color combinations. After her Spring/Summer 2026 show, she explained that the collection emphasized “breathable clothing, with elements of lightness, comfort, and sensuality in the silk and prints.” She also introduced a playful monkey motif on tote bags, stating, “Just for fun; it can’t hurt in this world.”
Her departure adds to the growing list of creative leadership changes in the luxury fashion sector, particularly noticeable after Spring/Summer 2026’s significant shake-up, which featured 15 new designer introductions. However, Nichanian’s exit stands out due to her record tenure as a creative director in the fashion industry.
In a candid conversation with Le Figaro, she reflected on her choice to step back: “I still cherish this profession. Nonetheless, I feel that to fulfill it as I wish, it demands increasingly more time—a commitment I now want to direct towards other endeavors… Hermès has gracefully allowed me to choose the right moment to step aside. I have contemplated this and discussed it with Axel and Pierre-Alexis Dumas for a couple of years. It’s time for a new leader.”
Despite the broader slowdown in luxury markets, Hermès has thrived, reporting an 8 percent revenue increase in the first half of 2025, with a 5.5 percent growth in ready-to-wear and accessories for that period.
Have comments, questions, or feedback? Reach out to us at feedback@voguebusiness.com.
More articles by this author:
What’s the secret recipe behind Sephora?
LVMH reports a 2% drop in fashion sales for Q3
Maria Grazia Chiuri returns to Fendi as chief creative officer
