Véronique Nichanian, the longest-serving creative director at a high-profile fashion house, is set to leave Hermès, as the company confirmed on Thursday.
This announcement comes as a surprise to many, marking the end of Nichanian’s impressive 37-year journey with Hermès. Her final runway presentation is scheduled for January 2026 in Paris, coinciding with the next menswear season.
“I have made the decision to present my final collection on January 24th next year. My tenure at Hermès since 1988 has been an immense pleasure. I take pride in being part of this family where I found the creative freedom to explore. As someone devoted to craftsmanship and the emotion embedded in garments, my aim has always been to reinvent my approach, merging innovation with tradition to create wardrobe essentials that resonate with today’s aesthetic. To me, there isn’t just an Hermès man; there are diverse Hermès men,” Nichanian expressed in a statement.
“I extend heartfelt thanks to Jean-Louis Dumas, Axel and Pierre-Alexis Dumas, and my dedicated teams for their unwavering trust. My studio deserves immense gratitude for all the shared experiences and adventures,” added Véronique.
The house graciously acknowledged her contributions: “We sincerely thank Véronique for her astute vision and vibrant energy. Her talent has significantly shaped the allure of our collections. The achievements of the men’s line owe much to her unique perspective. An enthusiastic lover of life, she consistently found the perfect balance, upholding excellence without sacrificing personality or humor.”
“Since joining at the invitation of Jean-Louis Dumas, Véronique Nichanian has masterfully crafted the narrative of men’s ready-to-wear at Hermès, extending her vision across the entire menswear portfolio,” stated the Paris-based house.
Despite being a privately-controlled entity by the Hermès/Dumas family, the brand reported impressive annual revenues of €15.2 billion in 2024.
Nichanian has been with Hermès since 1988, showcasing biannual collections that exemplify understated luxury. Even though she focused on menswear, her designs impacted fashion broadly, steering away from conventional aesthetics.
Petite and polished, Nichanian approached her role with poise and elegance. Originally from Armenian descent, she began her career at Nino Cerruti before making her mark at Hermès.
The latest collection, revealed on June 28 in Paris, highlighted her exceptional talents—showcasing a chic summer lineup crafted from unusual materials. The show was hosted in the stunning Conseil de Surveillance, a beacon of 1930s Rationalist architecture. It displayed an airy collection featuring trousers made from leather lattice and cardigans in knitted leather. Half of the collection showcased shirts adorned with openings and fabric inserts, allowing light to flow through, as Véronique described it.The collection featured several oversized bags, ranging from totes to weekenders. “I adore a large bag, especially since I am petite,” she remarked, illustrating her dynamic and lively persona.
Though known for her discretion, her influence in the fashion realm was undeniable. She transitioned menswear away from dark, cumbersome suits, opting instead for airy fabrics and vibrant patterns, eventually becoming synonymous with the lighthearted ethos of Hermès—now regarded as the most valuable luxury brand globally.
Her final show, the 76th, will be part of Men’s Fashion Week in January. The house has yet to name her successor, but an announcement is anticipated soon.
Interestingly, despite the Hermès family being a prominent Protestant group in France, the sole interview Nichanian has given so far was to Le Figaro, known for its Catholic orientation.
