Véronique Nichanian, who has served as artistic director for Hermès Men’s for 37 years, is stepping down, an Hermès spokesperson has confirmed.
Nichanian, who is fashion’s longest-standing creative director, announced the news in an interview with Le Figaro, telling the French newspaper she has been talking the move over with Hermès chief executive Axel Dumas and artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas for “a year or two.”
“Hermès was especially kind enough to let me choose the moment that seemed right to stop … It’s time to pass the baton,” she added.
Nichanian’s long tenure as creative director at Hermès, during which she defined the luxury brand’s consistent, understated and refined approach to menswear, is a rarity in an industry marked by creative turnover. She will present her last collection in January during Paris Men’s Week and her successor is expected to be named in the coming days, according to the report.
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