PARIS (AP) — As Paris Fashion Week menswear approaches its conclusion, Hermès experienced a significant transition on Saturday when Véronique Nichanian presented her final men's collection, marking the end of a remarkable 37-year tenure as the house's head of menswear. Following the Fall-Winter 2026 show held at the Palais Brongniart, the former Paris stock exchange, Nichanian took a moment to acknowledge the standing ovation from the audience.

The front row was notably filled with a diverse mix of Hermès executives, musicians, actors, and designers, showcasing a wider-than-usual array of attendees. Among the prominent figures spotted were singer Usher, Hermès executive chairman Axel Dumas, rapper Travis Scott, actors James McAvoy and Chace Crawford, as well as renowned designer Paul Smith.

Nichanian's design ethos reflects the signature understatement typical of Hermès men's clothing. On the runway, models showcased a luxurious assortment of silk turtlenecks paired with leather trousers, all presented in a restrained color palette that included navy, black, and taupe. Overcoats featured leather patchwork designs and shearling linings, focusing on warmth and texture, steering clear of excessive embellishment.

Several outfits included archival materials, paying homage to earlier collections. Highlights included a navy leather suit adorned with topstitched pinstripes, initially presented in 2003, and a striking mocha calfskin jumpsuit from 1991. Controlled bursts of color appeared intermittently, with orange and yellow jackets offering striking contrast against the predominant darker tones.

One of the standout pieces from the collection was a glossy khaki crocodile-skin suit, a bold departure from the otherwise understated assortment of leather, silk, and tailored outerwear.

Looking ahead, Hermès announced in October that London-based designer Grace Wales Bonner will step in as Nichanian's successor. Bonner, who is the founder of her eponymous label, is set to present her first Hermès menswear collection next January. Notably, she will make history as the first Black woman to lead a major fashion house.

However, the transition does not mean a complete departure for Nichanian. She will continue to oversee men’s accessories and silk within the Hermès brand, ensuring her influence remains as the company's menswear embarks on a new chapter.