Véronique Nichanian’s Final Runway Bags, FW 2026

January 29, 2026 Timothy Armitage

VERONIQUE NICHANIAN’S FINAL HERMÈS RUNWAY BAGS
FOR MENS FALL 2026 COLLECTION

Fall–Winter 2026 represents a closing chapter in Hermès menswear. After leading the division for nearly four decades, Véronique Nichanian unveiled her final collection for the house—a thoughtful and understated farewell that reflected the philosophy she has upheld since joining in 1988.

Throughout her tenure, Nichanian established a signature Hermès approach to menswear that prioritized longevity, balance, and comfort over fleeting trends. In a pre-show interview, she reflected on fashion’s increasingly rapid pace, noting that the industry’s constant acceleration had become less meaningful, even observing that many new ideas felt like revisits of earlier work from decades past.

Photos from: Esquire Australia

Rather than designing for a specific demographic, Nichanian focused on the intrinsic appeal of each piece. Her goal was to create garments that wearers would genuinely connect with and keep over time, regardless of age, body type, or lifestyle. This philosophy aligned with Hermès’ identity as a house driven by craftsmanship, proportion, and thoughtful construction—producing items meant to be maintained, repaired, and cherished.

Photos from: Hermès

These values were evident on the Fall–Winter 2026 runway. The collection opened with polished tailoring, layered looks, and refined leather pieces—key elements that defined her legacy at Hermès. Outerwear played a central role, with pieces ranging from leather trench coats and shearling aviators to suede car coats and high-shine crocodile styles. The color story leaned neutral, led by black, taupe, slate gray, and off-white, with subtle touches of mustard and coral. As the show progressed, deeper navy tones appeared, complemented by understated patterns such as leather pinstripes, herringbone textures, and geometric knit motifs.

The Fall–Winter 2026 Bag Collection

Bags appeared sparingly in this season’s lineup, as the emphasis remained firmly on ready-to-wear. However, one heritage design stood out: the Plume. Originally introduced in the 1960s, this iconic style returned with modern refinements for Fall–Winter 2026. Notably, all versions were designed without shoulder straps, intended to be carried by hand via short top handles.

Photos from: Vogue Runway

The New Plume Fourre-Tout

The first bag to appear on the runway was crafted in glossy Box calfskin and closely referenced the Plume Fourre-Tout silhouette. It featured dual top handles and a zip-top closure with a pull that secures onto a metal plate—a detail reminiscent of recent Hermès runway hardware motifs. Finished with metal feet and a clochette, the bag was shown in multiple sizes in Black and bold Red with palladium hardware, as well as Rouge H paired with gold hardware. A suede version in deep brown added a tactile contrast.

A second variation followed with the same overall structure and hardware but in a softer leather, offering a more relaxed and less rigid form.

The Boombox Plume

Hermès also introduced a playful reinterpretation of the Plume inspired by retro audio equipment. Crafted entirely in leather, the bag featured appliqué speaker details, raised control buttons, and a zip closure. A detachable leather cassette element concealed a small compartment, adding both functionality and a nostalgic reference. This version was presented in Gold and Black with palladium hardware.

The Plume Cover

A technical nylon cover was introduced to layer over the Plume, adding a functional, utilitarian aesthetic. Secured with snap fasteners and reinforced with leather at the corners and handles, the cover opened to reveal the bag beneath. Two snap-front pockets referenced Hermès’ cargo-inspired bag designs, while the zip-top echoed closures used across the Plume family. The cover appeared in Écru and black, as well as a navy-and-black combination.

The Classic Plume Fourre-Tout

Completing the lineup, the traditional Plume Fourre-Tout also returned. Presented in size 40, it maintained its classic zip design and was crafted in a range of materials, including smooth leather, textured leather, and matte crocodile for a more elevated finish.