Véronique Nichanian has officially closed one of the most enduring and influential chapters in modern fashion, stepping down from her role as Artistic Director of Hermès menswear after an extraordinary 37 years and marking the moment with a final, deeply resonant show at Paris Menswear Fashion Week.

At 71, Nichanian presented her last collection for the house she helped define, doing so in the same understated, assured manner that became her signature. Staged in Paris, the show was less a spectacle than a quiet statement of mastery. Models moved through the space in impeccably crafted garments that distilled everything Nichanian stood for: timeless elegance, impeccable materials, and a refusal to chase trends. There were silk turtlenecks layered under relaxed tailoring, luxurious leather trousers, shearling-lined outerwear, and a standout crocodile-skin suit in khaki that captured Hermès’ unparalleled craftsmanship without excess or noise. Select archival looks were subtly woven into the presentation, underscoring how consistent and relevant her vision has remained across decades.

The audience response reflected the weight of the moment. As the final looks exited the runway, the room rose in a standing ovation, an emotional farewell to a designer whose influence has been profound yet deliberately restrained. Celebrities, fellow designers, and long-time collaborators gathered not for theatrical drama, but to honour a woman whose work quietly shaped what modern luxury menswear looks like today.

Nichanian joined Hermès in 1988 at the invitation of Jean-Louis Dumas, at a time when the house was best known for its scarves and leather goods. Under her leadership, Hermès menswear grew into one of the most respected and consistent pillars of luxury fashion. In an industry often defined by rapid creative turnover, she became the longest-serving creative director at a major fashion house, and one of the very few women to lead menswear at that level. Her approach rejected logos and hype in favour of comfort, longevity, and refinement, helping to define the now-dominant idea of “quiet luxury” long before it became a buzzword.

Although she is stepping away from ready-to-wear, Nichanian is not severing ties with Hermès entirely. She will continue to contribute to silk and leather accessories while turning her attention to personal pursuits, including plans to spend extended time in Japan. Her successor, Grace Wales Bonner, is set to take over the menswear role in 2027, signalling a new chapter for the house and a generational shift in perspective.

Nichanian’s departure is not just the end of a career, but the close of an era defined by patience, precision, and integrity. In a fashion landscape increasingly driven by speed and spectacle, her legacy stands as a reminder that consistency, craftsmanship, and quiet confidence can be just as powerful and far more lasting.

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