Véronique Nichanian Bids Farewell to Hermès After 37 Years in Menswear

PARIS — As Paris Fashion Week menswear approaches its climax, Hermès celebrated a significant transition on Saturday when Véronique Nichanian unveiled her final men's collection after an impressive 37-year tenure. The designer stepped out to a standing ovation from the audience.

The Fall-Winter 2026 collection was showcased at the Palais Brongniart, the historic former stock exchange of Paris. The front row featured a diverse mix of celebrities, including musicians, actors, and designers, alongside Hermès executives.

Notable attendees included singer Usher, who was seen with Hermès executive chairman Axel Dumas, as well as rapper Travis Scott, actors James McAvoy and Chace Crawford, and designer Paul Smith.

On the runway, Nichanian presented her signature material-driven approach, showcasing an understated yet sophisticated wardrobe that has long characterized Hermès menswear. The collection featured models in silk turtlenecks paired with leather trousers, all presented in a restrained color palette of navy, black, and taupe.

Overcoats incorporated leather patchwork and shearling linings, emphasizing warmth and texture without unnecessary extravagance. Several pieces paid homage to earlier collections, with archival designs making a comeback.

Highlights included a navy leather suit with topstitched pinstripes, originally shown in 2003, and a mocha calfskin jumpsuit from 1991. Controlled bursts of color were introduced, with orange and yellow jackets breaking up the darker tones.

One standout item was a glossy khaki crocodile-skin suit, which made a bold statement amidst the more subdued leather, silk, and tailored outerwear.

In October, Hermès announced that Grace Wales Bonner would succeed Nichanian. The London-based designer, known for her eponymous label, is set to debut her first Hermès menswear collection next January, making history as the first Black woman to lead a major fashion house.

Although stepping down from her primary role, Nichanian will continue with Hermès, overseeing men’s accessories and silk, as the brand embarks on a new chapter.