After nearly four decades of shaping the essence of luxury menswear, Véronique Nichanian, the longest-serving creative director in fashion, is stepping down from her role at Hermès. This marks the end of an era for the iconic French house, leaving many to wonder: who will carry the torch next? But here's where it gets intriguing—rumors suggest an internal successor might already be in the wings, with designer Benjamin Brett among the top contenders. Nichanian herself confirmed the news in an interview with Le Figaro, revealing her final collection will debut in January. And this is the part most people miss: her departure comes at a time when the luxury industry is grappling with shifting consumer behaviors and economic uncertainties.
At 71, Nichanian reflects on her 37-year tenure with Hermès, a journey that began in 1988 when she was handpicked by the legendary CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. As one of the few women leading a menswear division at a major luxury house, she transformed Hermès into a global powerhouse, with revenues soaring to 15.2 billion euros in 2024. Her spring 2026 collection, a testament to her signature style, blended sensual textures—like leather openwork weaves and ribbed knits—with an effortless sense of luxury. But here’s the controversial part: while Hermès has thrived as a 'safe-haven' brand, thanks to its rare, investment-worthy handbags, the broader luxury sector is facing a slowdown as consumers rethink their spending habits post-pandemic. Could this transition signal a new direction for Hermès, or will it remain a bastion of stability in an unpredictable market?
Nichanian’s departure is just the latest in a series of creative director shake-ups at European luxury giants like Chanel, Dior, and Balenciaga. Yet, Hermès has long been a paragon of consistency, with Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski, its women’s ready-to-wear artistic director, holding her post since 2014. Here’s a thought-provoking question: As the luxury industry evolves, can Hermès maintain its timeless appeal while adapting to modern demands? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think Nichanian’s successor will uphold her legacy, or will they chart a bold new course? One thing’s for sure: all eyes are on Hermès as it embarks on this next chapter.
