What's Happening?
Hermès has confirmed that Véronique Nichanian, its long-serving artistic director of menswear, will step down after 37 years. Nichanian's final collection will be showcased at Paris men's week in January.
Her career at Hermès began in 1988, and she has been celebrated for her innovative and wearable designs, which have consistently utilized high-quality materials and a sophisticated color palette. Nichanian's decision to leave comes amid a broader reset in the luxury fashion industry, with numerous designers exiting their roles. She expressed a desire to devote more time to other pursuits, having discussed her departure with Hermès executives over the past two years.
Why It's Important?
Nichanian's exit is a notable event in the luxury fashion world, as she holds the record for the longest tenure of a creative director at a major fashion house. Her influence has been instrumental in Hermès' ability to defy the luxury market slowdown, with the company reporting an 8% growth in the first half of 2025. Nichanian's approach to design, which emphasizes elegance and quality over fleeting trends, has helped Hermès maintain its status as a leader in the luxury sector. Her departure signals a potential shift in the brand's creative direction, which will be closely monitored by industry stakeholders.
What's Next?
Hermès is expected to announce Nichanian's successor shortly, a decision that will be pivotal in determining the future direction of its menswear line. The new artistic director will face the challenge of preserving the brand's legacy while potentially introducing new elements to appeal to a changing market. Nichanian's departure is part of a larger trend of leadership changes in the luxury fashion industry, which may lead to shifts in design philosophies and business strategies across the sector. The industry will be watching closely to see how Hermès navigates this transition and whether it will continue to prioritize the principles of quality and timelessness that have defined Nichanian's tenure.
