Véronique Nichanian, the longtime Artistic Director of the Hermès Men’s Universe, has redefined luxury menswear by capturing timeless values with contemporary design.
By Hassan Al-Saleh
Photography Ilaria Orsini
Behind every successful man is a woman and that could not be more true of the Hermès man and the woman behind him, Véronique Nichanian. For almost 30 years, the Artistic Director of the Men’s Universe has been designing for an ever-evolving man who is sensitive to quality, details, and exceptional fabrics. The result is timeless allure and purity; living proof that fashion can defy seasons and trends.
Nichanian’s pragmatic approach to menswear coupled with her penchant for innovation and craftsmanship, gives her a refreshingly clear focus on what both menswear and luxury needs to be today. She juxtaposes the old with the new to push the Hermès brand forward without losing its core DNA.
According to Nichanian, fashion is not something totalitarian. Instead, her philosophy centers on men developing a special, invisible bond to their clothes. She seduces the senses of sight and touch through a meticulous design process informed by color and fabric.
For a brand permanently inscribed in the lexicon of luxury goods, Nichanian believes that Hermès has to be a positive force, bringing strength and happiness to fashion.
“Luxury does not mean anything anymore. I think it’s about being demanding of what we propose to men and the way we do things. Luxury should be about proposing the best we can propose from our soul and from our heart.”
Read the full interview in our latest issue out now.