Fashion is switching gears fast. In 2024 and 2025, several top labels changed their Creative Director, and that means fresh ideas, new prices, and a different kind of buzz. Gucci, Versace, Chanel, Loewe, and Dior are all in motion.
Why should you care? A new lead can shift what hits stores, what sells out, and what defines cool. If you watch trends or plan big buys, these moves matter.
The biggest Creative Director shake-ups in 2024 and 2025
From Milan to Paris, leadership changes are reshaping brand DNA. Some houses want younger shoppers. Others need a sales reset or a sharper identity. Expect stronger silhouettes, cleaner branding, and strategic collaborations. Early shows tell you the direction, but the second season often locks it in. For a running list of who moved where, bookmark this handy Creative Director cheat sheet for 2025 and this quick overview of designer changes in fashion.
Gucci: Demna takes the helm after Sabato De Sarno exits
Sabato De Sarno left in early 2025, and Demna arrived as Gucci’s artistic director in July 2025. Expect bolder shapes, street energy, and sharper branding. Early drops should spike demand for statement outerwear and boundary-pushing sneakers.
Versace: Donatella shifts to chief brand ambassador, Dario Vitale becomes Creative Director
Donatella stepped down in March 2025 after 27 years, shifting to a brand ambassador role. Dario Vitale steps in as Creative Director. Watch the next collections for amplified glamour, precise tailoring, and a refined take on sex appeal.
Chanel: Matthieu Blazy joins, first womenswear show in October 2025
Matthieu Blazy moved from Bottega Veneta to Chanel in 2024 and presented his first womenswear show in October 2025, with a Métiers d’Art collection slated for December. Expect refined craft, modern polish, and a quiet yet confident shift in house codes. For context on upcoming debuts across houses, see WWD’s list of designer debuts still to come in 2025.
Loewe and Dior Men: Jonathan Anderson exits Loewe, joins Dior Men; Proenza duo step into Loewe
Jonathan Anderson departed Loewe in March 2025 and became Dior Men’s Creative Director in April, succeeding Kim Jones. Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler were tapped to lead Loewe. Expect sculptural leather, smart utility, and gallery-ready details from both teams.
More Creative Director changes you should know
A few moves will steer trends in quiet ways. Minimalist houses are rethinking tailoring. Avant-garde labels are weighing craft against wearability. These shifts affect what ends up in stores and what gets copied on the high street. For a clear snapshot of the turnover, this overview on the high turnover of creative directors is helpful.
Jil Sander: Simone Bellotti replaces Luke and Lucie Meier
The Meiers stepped down in February 2025. Simone Bellotti, previously at Bally, took over in March. Expect sharp tailoring, soft neutrals, and a fresh spin on quiet luxury.
Givenchy: Sarah Burton steps in to refine the house
Sarah Burton became Creative Director in 2025. Look for romantic tailoring, precise construction, and a calmer, more focused silhouette story.
Maison Margiela: John Galliano departs, next chapter still open
John Galliano left in December 2024 after a decade. A successor was not confirmed at the time, so fans should watch for updates, possible shifts in artisanal work, and how the brand balances concept with wearability.
Why are fashion houses changing Creative Director roles now?
Luxury growth has cooled, especially in the mid-tier price bands. Houses want new voices to spark demand, reset brand heat, and reach younger shoppers. Investors also push for cleaner product stories that convert on the shop floor, not just on the runway.
A new Creative Director can reposition pricing, trims, and even store design. That means tighter assortments, smarter basics, and clear hero items that carry each season. The goal is simple, build desire and reduce confusion.
Market reality and fresh vision
Brands need attention and loyalty, fast. The Creative Director becomes the face of change, tying design, image, and culture into one clear message.
What this means for your wardrobe
Expect new logos, fits, and color stories. Watch early hits from each Creative Director’s first seasons, then buy once the direction steadies.
Key dates to watch in late 2025
Circle Chanel’s October womenswear show and the December Métiers d’Art collection. Track Gucci and Versace rollouts through lookbooks and store drops. For broader context on the year’s switch-ups, this concise cheat sheet of creative director changes is worth a read.
Conclusion
Creative Director changes reshape trends, prices, and shopping lists quickly. Watch the next runway debuts and the first store arrivals to see which ideas stick. Keep an eye on early sell-outs, since they signal where the season is headed.
