While it might not always seem so on the outside, the fashion industry is built on precision, timing, and countless moving parts. But when one gear slips—or in this case, when one creative director switches houses—it creates a ripple effect. And 2025? It’s looking like the industry’s most unpredictable domino effect in years.
Eight major houses kicked off the year by switching out their top creative leadership. Some exits were anticipated. Others raised eyebrows. From Chanel’s headline-making appointment of Matthieu Blazy to Jonathan Anderson‘s highly-anticipated exit from Loewe, fashion’s leadership is being entirely rewritten, one strategic move at a time.
Can’t seem to keep up? We are doing the tracking so you don’t have to. Let’s break down who’s in, who’s out, and when you can expect the debuts that everyone will be watching.
MATTHIEU BLAZY AT CHANEL
The move that set off the whole cascade. Blazy steps into Chanel after leaving Bottega Veneta, succeeding Virginie Viard after her sudden exit. His runway debut? Paris Fashion Week, October 2025. Needless to say, its set to be the most anticipated show of the season.
DEMNA AT GUCCI
Sabato De Sarno exited after two years, making room for Demna’s disruptive voice at Gucci. While Balenciaga has yet to announce his successor, the shift signals Gucci’s tilt toward bold subversion over classic elegance. In a recent statement, Kering’s Deputy CEO Francesca Belletini revealed that Demna’s first designs for Gucci will debut in September 2025.
JONATHAN ANDERSON AT DIOR MEN
Fresh off his departure from Loewe, Jonathan Anderson has been confirmed as the new creative director at Dior Men. He takes over from fellow British designer Kim Jones, who led the menswear division with sharp tailoring and high-profile collaborations. Anderson’s debut is slated for June 2025.
LOUISE TROTTER AT BOTTEGA VENETA
Louise Trotter left Carven for Bottega Veneta, becoming the sole female creative director across all Kering-owned brands. She replaces Blazy at Bottega, with her debut date set for September 2025.
GLENN MARTENS AT MAISON MARGIELA
John Galliano’s departure was dramatic, but Glenn Martens taking the reins promises innovation grounded in deconstructed brilliance. Martens balances this role with his ongoing position at Diesel, with his debut date at Margiela yet to be confirmed.
MICHAEL RIDER AT CELINE
Michael Rider, who previously worked under Phoebe Philo, is back at Celine, replacing Hedi Slimane. His first collection is set to be unveiled in Paris on July 6.
JACK MCCOLLOUGH & LAZARO HERNANDEZ AT LOEWE
Jonathan Anderson’s exit shocked many, but the Proenza Schouler founders stepping into Loewe could be the unexpected synergy the brand didn’t know it needed. Their first collection for Loewe is expected to debut during Paris Fashion Week in September 2025.
DARIO VITALE AT VERSACE
In a move that marks a major generational shift, Donatella Versace stepped down as the creative director, appointing Dario Vitale to take the creative reins. Vitale will be the first non-Versace to lead the label in its 47-year history. That familial legacy isn’t disappearing entirely: Donatella will remain the face of the brand in her new role as chief brand ambassador. Vitale’s debut collection is set to hit the runway during Milan Fashion Week in September 2025, where the stakes couldn’t be higher. Can he carry the Versace legacy while making it his own? The industry is watching.
SIMONE BELLOTTI AT JIL SANDER
Simone Bellotti’s appointment at Jil Sander might have flown a bit under the radar, but it’s one to watch. After an exciting four-year-long tenure at Bally, Bellotti is now taking the reigns at Jil Sander. His debut date remains under wraps at the moment.
