The Merry Go Round Continues…

In a recent post I attempted to make sense of the maelstrom of recent creative directorship changes at the highest echelon of fashion houses. The merry go round continues…

Gucci just had, in my opinion, two very successful shows under the leadership of Sabato de Sarno, who replaced Alessandro Michele in November 2022. And yet, there is already speculation that Hedi Slimane, previously Creative Director at Celine, may soon be joining the storied maison. Replacing Slimane at Celine is Michael Rider, who helped elevate the brand Polo Ralph Lauren. Matthieu Blazy has officially succeeded Virginie Viard at Chanel, and has himself been replaced at Bottega Veneta by Louise Trotter. Donatella still holds the reins at Versace, but who knows for how long, as her contract is supposedly up in February and there is uncertainty about it being renewed, given the likelihood that Capri Holdings will find a new buyer for the brand. Maria Grazia Chiuri still helms Dior, however there is a possibility (according to the rumour mill) that she will make a move to Fendi, following the recent departure of Kim Jones, who also left Dior Men. Should that happen, there is a strong possibility that Jonathan Anderson, who recently left Loewe, will join Dior. Filling Anderson’s spot at Loewe will most likely be the due behind Proenza Schouler, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez Alessandro Michele, previously of Gucci, just launched his debut collection for Valentino, which in interviews he has likened to driving a Ferrari. Pierpaolo Piccioli, Michele’s predecessor, is shockingly still on the market unless he slides into the Dior Men’s role vacated by Kim Jones. And let’s not forget about John Galliano’s departure fro Maison Margiella after 10 years, to be succeeded by Glenn Martins of Y/Project and Diesel. Chemena Kamali is still staying strong at Chloe, where she has been Creative Director since October of 2023.

WHEW! It’s going to be a very exciting 2025 in the world of fashion.