End of an Era: Véronique Nichanian Steps Down as Hermès’ Menswear Creative Anchor

After nearly four decades of defining the quiet elegance of Hermès menswear, Véronique Nichanian is stepping down as Artistic Director—a role she’s held since 1988. Her departure, confirmed by the house in October 2025, marks the close of an extraordinary 37-year chapter in luxury fashion. Her final collection will show in January 2026, ending one of the longest-running creative tenures in the history of the fashion industry.

For Hermès, and for fashion as a whole, Nichanian’s exit represents the end of a rare kind of creative stability—one built on subtle evolution, exquisite materials, and unwavering integrity.

A Long Journey from Cerruti to Hermès

Véronique Nichanian’s path to Hermès began in Paris, where she studied at the École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, mastering the precision of cut and construction that would become her trademark. She began her career at Cerruti under Nino Cerruti, where she honed her eye for men’s tailoring and her raw talent for true craftsmanship. Those early years were formative, instilling a balance between structure and softness that would later define her meaningful Hermès work season after season.

In 1988, Hermès’ then-chairman Jean-Louis Dumas recruited Nichanian to lead the brand’s menswear division—a rare appointment for a woman in a field still dominated by male designers. Over time, she built a fully-realized world around the Hermès man: elegant yet cool clothing, leather goods, accessories, and even the tone of the brand’s runway shows were unmistakably chic. Her steady presence became synonymous with the house’s masculine elegance, transforming Hermès from a heritage saddlery into a quietly powerful pillar of luxurious living.

Signature Style and Lasting Influence

Nichanian’s work was never about spectacle. She shunned the typical theatrics of fashion week (especially in recent years, where virality seems to outweigh the importance of the clothing shown), in favor of craftsmanship, comfort, and subtle sensuality. Her approach was rooted in tactile precision—each collection beginning not with sketches, but with color cards and fabrics that guided her creative rhythm.

Over the years, she redefined what luxury menswear could feel like. Lightweight construction replaced heavy tailoring. Perforated leathers, cashmere knits, and whisper-thin silks created movement and breathability. She experimented with transparency, semi-sheerness, and hybrid textures, pushing innovation without ever breaking from Hermès’ quiet restraint.

Her sense of proportion was equally refined. Jackets were often unlined or softly structured, shoulders lightly curved, and seams adjusted season after season in pursuit of comfort and perfection. This kind of iterative craftsmanship made her work feel truly timeless, rather than trend-driven.

Recent collections showcased playful motifs, like the now-iconic monkey print, and a subtle humor for which the brand has now become known. Her designs evolved toward lightness—literally and philosophically—culminating in a final season described as “a breath of air and texture.”

The Power of Consistency

In a fashion world that prizes disruption, Nichanian stood for refinement through repetition. Her work embodied Hermès’ founding values: quality, patience, mastery, and discretion. That consistency became a kind of quiet rebellion against the trend-driven collections of late from other fashion houses.

She was, notably, the longest-serving creative director at a major luxury house—an almost unimaginable feat in an age where designers are often replaced within five years, and almost certainly within ten. Under her direction, Hermès menswear grew from a niche luxury line to one of the brand’s most profitable divisions, known for pieces that outlast trends both in quality and in aesthetic.

Her philosophy was simple yet radical: the garment should serve the man, not the other way around. She designed for the way people actually live—integrating elegance into everyday life rather than saving it for spectacle. In doing so, she created a language of understated confidence that influenced countless designers across the industry.

What Comes Next for Hermès Menswear

With Nichanian’s final show set for January 2026, speculation is building around who might succeed her. Hermès has not yet announced a replacement, but the house is expected to favor a designer aligned with her values of timelessness, precision, and ease. Will it be an internal appointment, or will they look for fresh talent? Only time will tell.

The transition marks an important moment for Hermès. Menswear has been one of the brand’s most consistent and quietly profitable sectors—thanks largely to Nichanian’s stability and her refusal to chase trends. Any successor will need to balance modern energy with the continuity she so carefully maintained.

Her legacy, however, is secure. Véronique Nichanian redefined what modern luxury could be: personal, wearable, tactile, and deeply human. In an era when the industry often mistakes novelty for progress, she proved that true innovation lies in refinement—and that elegance, when handled with quiet conviction, never goes out of style.