Photo: Courtesy of David Sims
2025 has arguably been the most intense game of designer musical chairs the fashion industry has ever seen. From announcements of who will take over Gucci to waiting anxiously for who will lead Chanel, and with Fendi still without a new creative director, the top designers at major fashion houses have seen many new and rotating faces.
As luxury conglomerates, including LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and Kering, work to create excitement and sales around their brands, new designers are a way to generate buzz and interest in the brand—and hopefully, sales.
While the designer comings and goings have probably become hard to keep up with, Canvas has compiled a list of designers who have left their positions, those who have already made their creative director debuts (along with their upcoming collections to watch), and the creative director positions still available.
Jonathan Anderson: Jonathan Anderson made his menswear debut for Dior in what someone characterized as “dressing for Bridgerton in the 21st century,” and critics adored it. His first menswear collection won’t debut in stores until the spring 2026 rollouts, so it’s too early to see how consumers will react—but the interest is there. He also teased reviving the Dior New Look, marked by the market woman skirt, as seen on Sabrina Carpenter when she attended the menswear show during Paris Fashion Week Men’s.
Donatella Versace: Donatella Versace stepped down from her role as creative director of Versace, a position she had held since her brother died in 1997. She will transition to the role of chief brand officer and will continue her involvement with the company.
Dario Vitale: Dario Vitale, formerly of Miu Miu, will be the new creative director of Versace. This comes as Prada bought Versace from American holding company Capri. Miu Miu is currently one of the top three hottest brands of Q1, according to the Lyst Index, which ranks brands based on searches and sales.
Sabato De Sarno: De Sarno left Gucci in February after just two years as creative director of the brand. Gucci’s sales were declining, so parent company Kering decided a new creative director was needed. No word yet on what his next move will be.
John Galliano: Galliano left Maison Margiela after ten years at the brand. Speculation has swirled as to where he will go next. The rumor has been Fendi, but no official news has been announced by either Galliano or Fendi.
Glenn Martens: Glenn Martens took over Maison Margiela from Galliano. His first collection debuted during Paris Couture Week in July. The collection was met with praise from critics, and many are excited for his ready-to-wear debut for the brand at Paris Fashion Week this fall.
Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez: The founders of Proenza Schouler left their brand after over 20 years and are now the co-creative directors of Loewe. The duo will debut their first collection for the brand at Paris Fashion Week this fall. Their designs are expected to take a more minimalist approach compared to their predecessor, Jonathan Anderson.
Sarah Burton: Sarah Burton debuted her first collection for Givenchy at Paris Fashion Week this past winter. Burton’s designs were met with praise by critics, and many were pleased to see her find her footing after departing from Alexander McQueen.
Matthieu Blazy: Matthieu Blazy was named creative director of Chanel after Virginie Viard’s departure, securing one of the most coveted design jobs in the world. Blazy, who was praised for his work at Bottega Veneta, is expected to bring much in the way of leatherwork to Chanel—an excellent move for a brand known for its leather goods.
Louise Trotter: Louise Trotter, former creative director of Carven, took over the reins from Blazy after he departed Bottega Veneta for Chanel. Her first collection for Bottega Veneta is scheduled to debut this fall at Paris Fashion Week.
Pierpaolo Piccioli: Piccioli, former creative director of Valentino, is taking over the helm at Balenciaga. Based on his past work at Valentino, Balenciaga is expected to return to the classic glamour and eveningwear designs popularized by the brand’s founder, Cristóbal Balenciaga. Of course, Piccioli’s Balenciaga will still have a modern twist and won’t look like your great-grandmother’s Balenciaga.
Alessandro Michele: Michele took over the helm at Valentino and has brought his luxury camp aesthetic to the brand. Those who loved his work at Gucci are fans of his work at Valentino. Like many brands, however, Valentino is doing its best to weather the downturn in luxury shopping.
Hedi Slimane: Hedi Slimane left Celine in the fall of 2024. No news has been announced about the designer’s next move.
Kim Jones: Jones left Fendi in October 2024. He spent years at LVMH, having worked as menswear director of Louis Vuitton and Dior. No news has been made about his next move.
Haider Ackermann: Ackermann’s Tom Ford debut was met with immense support from the fashion industry, and consumers are already talking about when it will arrive in stores. The first collection is seen as a reinterpretation of Tom Ford’s legacy.
Demna Gvasalia: Kering announced Gvasalia, who helped turn Balenciaga into one of the crown jewels of Kering’s portfolio, will take over as creative director of Gucci. It’s unclear what approach he will take. He could continue with the gimmick designs—like dirty sneakers and trash bag handbags—that made him popular at Balenciaga. Alternatively, he could pivot and bring his reinterpreted ’90s Margiela aesthetic to the brand.
Michael Rider: Michael Rider made his debut for Celine ahead of Paris Couture Week, and fans of Celine loved the return to Phoebe Philo’s cleaner, minimalist aesthetic. Rider, who worked at Celine under Philo, has been called her rightful successor since she departed the brand.
Photo: Courtesy of LVMH