Hermes chief menswear designer Veronique Nichanian is to step down after 37 years in charge and will present her final show for the luxury house in January, the company announced on Friday.

Hermes announced the change "with heartfelt emotion", paying tribute to Nichanian's "eye, her vision, her generosity, her energy and her curiosity" in a press release sent to AFP.

"It is time to pass the torch," the 71-year-old designer told Le Figaro newspaper, adding that she still has "ideas" but wants to dedicate more time to herself, particularly to fulfil "a long-standing dream" of spending several months in Japan.

She said she was leaving the house "with joy and pride", after enjoying "37 years of creative freedom."

"The success of the men's universe owes much to her," the hugely profitable F

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