After nearly four decades of shaping men’s fashion at Hermès, Hermès Menswear Designer Veronique Nichanian is stepping down from her role as artistic director. The French luxury house confirmed her departure on Friday, marking the end of one of the longest-running tenures in modern fashion history.
Nichanian, 71, joined Hermès in 1988 and has since become synonymous with the brand’s refined, understated menswear aesthetic. Her final collection will be presented during Hermès’ January 2026 fashion show, closing an influential chapter for the luxury label.
A Veteran Designer’s Legacy
During her 37-year tenure, Veronique Nichanian transformed Hermès’ men’s line into a global benchmark for craftsmanship and quiet sophistication. Her approach combined timeless tailoring with subtle innovation, staying true to the brand’s heritage of elegance and restraint.
Her departure comes amid a wave of leadership changes across the luxury industry. Several high-end fashion houses are refreshing their creative teams—Matthieu Blazy was recently appointed at Chanel, while Jonathan Anderson joined Dior—both signaling a new generational shift in design leadership.
Industry Context
While many luxury labels are struggling with sluggish sales and cautious consumers, Hermès continues to defy industry trends. The Birkin-bag maker has reported steady growth, buoyed by strong demand from its affluent clientele. Its ability to maintain exclusivity and timeless appeal has helped shield it from the economic slowdown affecting other luxury brands.
Nichanian’s departure, first reported by Le Figaro, is seen as part of a broader effort across the sector to inject new energy into established fashion houses.
Looking Ahead
As Hermès Menswear Designer Veronique Nichanian prepares for her final runway presentation, the fashion world awaits the announcement of her successor. Whoever steps into her role will inherit not just a globally recognized brand but also a design legacy built on subtle sophistication and enduring craftsmanship.
Nichanian leaves behind a body of work that helped define the modern Hermès man — understated, confident, and effortlessly elegant.
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