As the fashion industry turns its attention toward the upcoming menswear circuit in Paris, Grace Wales Bonner is quietly solidifying the team that will support her debut as the creative director of menswear at Hermès. The British designer, celebrated for her eponymous label’s intellectual approach to tailoring and cultural storytelling, has reportedly tapped John-Gabriel Harrison, a veteran designer with deep roots in the French luxury sector, to join her new studio.
The appointment marks a significant move for Wales Bonner as she prepares for her first collection, scheduled to debut in January. The transition is one of the most closely watched in recent fashion history, as Wales Bonner succeeds Véronique Nichanian, who maintained the creative helm of Hermès menswear for 37 years. For those tracking how Grace Wales Bonner taps a longtime Lanvin designer for her Hermès project, the move suggests a focus on technical precision and an appreciation for the established codes of Parisian heritage houses.
While industry sources indicate Harrison’s involvement, his specific title and scope of responsibility within the Hermès organization remain unconfirmed. Representatives for the house did not provide a comment regarding the staffing changes.
A Background in Technical Craft
Harrison arrives at the historic house with a robust résumé that emphasizes both contemporary design and traditional luxury construction. According to his professional profile, he served most recently as the head of design at A.P.C., a position he held beginning in November 2023. His tenure there followed a nine-year period at Lanvin, where he gained significant experience navigating the creative visions of multiple artistic directors.
During his time at Lanvin, Harrison worked under the direction of Peter Copping, the current artistic director, as well as his predecessor, Bruno Sialelli. From 2017 to 2019, he served as a menswear designer under Lucas Ossendrijver, who is widely credited for his role in modernizing the Lanvin menswear aesthetic by reinterpreting the house codes originally established by the late Alber Elbaz. Harrison’s foundational training began at the renowned Central Saint Martins in London, followed by an early career stint at Alexander McQueen, which provided him with a rigorous grounding in British tailoring.
The Evolution of the Hermès Menswear Studio
The appointment of Wales Bonner to lead the menswear division at Hermès represents a bridge between the house’s storied history and a new generation of design leadership. Since winning the LVMH Young Designer Prize in 2016, Wales Bonner has been recognized for her ability to synthesize archival research with modern silhouettes. Her work, which expanded to include womenswear shortly after her 2014 graduation from Central Saint Martins, often explores themes of identity and cultural exchange.
In a previous interview, Wales Bonner expressed a deep respect for the legacy she is set to inherit. Describing the house as a “magical” environment, she emphasized her intent to engage thoughtfully with the brand’s heritage. Her approach is expected to balance the house’s reputation for superlative leather goods and silk production with the nuanced, narrative-driven design language that has defined her career thus far, including her successful multi-year partnership with Adidas.
Key Milestones in the Transition
| Milestone | Context |
|---|---|
| 2014 | Wales Bonner graduates from Central Saint Martins. |
| 2016 | Wales Bonner wins the LVMH Young Designer Prize. |
| 1988–2024 | Véronique Nichanian serves as artistic director of Hermès menswear. |
| January 2025 | Scheduled debut of Wales Bonner’s first collection for Hermès. |
What In other words for the January Runway
The addition of a designer with Harrison’s specific experience—particularly his work at Lanvin and his understanding of the Parisian luxury market—suggests that Wales Bonner is prioritizing a team that understands the interplay between heritage and innovation. The task of succeeding a figure as influential as Nichanian requires a delicate touch; her tenure was characterized by a consistent, understated elegance that defined the Hermès man for nearly four decades.
As the industry awaits the January debut, observers are looking for signs of how the design studio will balance the house’s traditional craftsmanship with Wales Bonner’s distinctively poetic sensibility. The move to bring in seasoned talent like Harrison, who has navigated the transition of creative leadership at major houses, provides a layer of stability to the studio during this high-profile leadership change.
For those interested in following the official developments of the house, Hermès continues to provide updates through its corporate communications portal. As the creative direction of one of the world’s most prestigious houses shifts, the focus remains on how the new team will interpret the storied archives of Hermès while establishing a new chapter for its menswear line.
We will continue to monitor the progress of the Hermès menswear studio as the January presentation date approaches. For more updates on the intersection of design and industry, feel free to share your thoughts or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest developments in global fashion.
