With an incredible amount of Creative Director changes taking place this year, the fashion industry is undergoing a riveting transformation that has everyone on their toes. Design powerhouses are swapping visionaries, and with each move comes a ripple of anticipation – and transformation. Sarah Burton bids farewell to her revolutionary career at Alexander McQueen for a new chapter at Givenchy, while Haider Ackermann returns to the spotlight as the new head of Tom Ford. Meanwhile, Donatella Versace steps down from her position at her late brother’s iconic fashion house. But what does this all mean for the runways, the red carpets, and the future of fashion?
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Sarah Burton Revisits Givenchy’s Roots
As the artist behind Kate Middleton’s headline-grabbing royal wedding dress, Sarah Burton worked closely with Alexander McQueen up until his untimely passing – upon which Burton was seen as the only possible successor to the McQueen label. Her work has since been recognised for faithfully preserving McQueen’s essence while still instilling her own creative flair –a kind of balance that should be expected from Burton’s new role at Givenchy.
After over a decade helping to build the McQueen legacy, Burton’s new chapter through the lens of Givenchy had everyone buzzing with anticipation during Paris Fashion Week – her debut Fall/Winter 2025 collection that referenced past eras that have indelibly shaped Givenchy’s identity. Much like her approach with McQueen, Burton’s notice of Hubert de Givenchy’s early designs – which heavily emphasised silhouette – could be spotted in the sculptural yet delicate pieces she created for the runway.
Haider Ackermann Returns To Rewrite The Tom Ford Code
Already turning many heads, Haider Ackermann brings his eye for dramatic drapery to Tom Ford. Known for his eponymous label as well as his work with Fila, Madison Ullens, Jean Paul Gaultier, partnership with Canada Goose, and more, Ackermann’s architectural tailoring and poetic use of texture have long been celebrated – even by Ford himself. At Paris Fashion Week, we caught a glimpse of a more subdued yet statement-making take on Ford’s signature overt sensuality. The velvet. The clean silhouettes. The sleek looks. Ackermann’s Ford doesn’t shout – it moves like a whisper in the dark. Controlled, confident, and impossible to ignore. His focus doesn’t seem to be on replicating Ford’s legacy – he’s set on redefining it. Ackermann’s Tom Ford oozes confidence as always, but this time with a cooler and more modern lens.
Matthieu Blazy Channels Chanel
The elusive designer behind many major fashion labels’ recent success is making major moves in his newly appointed position at Chanel. Matthieu Blazy, known for taking Bottega Veneta to new heights, gained acclaim for his illusionary leather creations. This clever play on perception first sparked during his time working on the Margiela Artisanal Collection, where Blazy explored the idea of fashion being more than meets the eye. This fun, fresh, and alternative approach has made Blazy’s work some of the most sought after in the industry – cementing Bottega Veneta as one of Kering’s top-performing brands during his tenure. Now, many are eagerly anticipating how he’ll reinterpret Chanel.
Chanel is arguably the epitome of classic, elegant, and above all, traditional design. While the house is known for its exquisite craftsmanship, it has often lingered true to its roots. Following the legacy of the late Karl Lagerfeld and the more recent term of Virginie Viard, Blazy’s appointment has sparked optimism. There’s a palpable excitement around the changes he might bring to the maison, and the possibility of pushing Chanel into a bolder, new era.
Michael Rider’s Homecoming At Celine
Michael Rider’s appointment as Celine’s new fashion director comes not as a surprise, but as a homecoming. Shortly after the announcement of Hedi Slimane’s departure, Celine announced Rider’s return as the label’s new creative director. This wasn’t exactly a surprise pick – Rider previously worked under Phoebe Philo and knows the brand’s DNA intimately. One of the few American designers under LVMH, Rider is expected to introduce his own voice while respecting Celine’s legacy. Slimane’s tenure injected grunge-glam into the house – a stark departure from Philo’s minimalist corporate cool – which breathed new life into Celine and its sales. With Gen Z celebrities resonating with the brand’s evolving concept, all eyes are on Rider to see whether he’ll continue to evolve Slimane’s narrative or rewrite it entirely.
Demna Says Hello As Gucci’s New Creative Director
After a decade transforming Balenciaga, Demna Gvasalia takes the reins as Gucci’s new creative director. Known for launching Vetements with his brother Guram Gvasalia – which merged dystopian streetwear with luxury fashion –Demna’s appointment signals a bold shift for the Italian house. Gucci has long leaned on its retro, 60s-tinged landscape, but Demna’s arrival could mark the end of that era. Back in 2021, we got a glimpse into Demna’s Gucci from his collaboration with the brand through Balenciaga’s lens. While this collaboration turned heads, Demna is now free to fully shape the house of Gucci in his own image. A serious shake-up is coming, so expect the unexpected.
Donatella And Dario, What’s Next For Versace?
After nearly three decades of Donatella’s Versace, the fashion legend has officially stepped down as the brand’s Creative Director. During her tenure, Donatella transformed Versace into a global powerhouse rooted in confidence and high-octane luxury – carrying and building upon her late brother’s legacy. Moving into her new role as Chief Brand Ambassador, Versace’s design duties now fall into the hands of Dario Vitale. In his former role as Miu Miu’s Design and Image Director, Vitale’s vision translated to a 93% increase in retail sales in 2024. Known for his innovative yet wearable sensibility, Vitale is expected to bring fresh energy into the house.
This change marks a major moment in fashion history. While Donatella’s Versace defined boldness and unapologetic glamour, Vitale may lean towards a more modern, perhaps playful, approach. Versace’s maximalist codes are the brand’s very essence – but will Vitale uphold them or reinvent the mould entirely? Especially with news of Prada’s acquisition of Versace, one thing’s for certain: Versace’s next chapter is one to watch.
Rachel Tang
Rachel Tang is the Social Media Manager and a contributing writer at Friday Club., where she combines her expertise in PR and Marketing with a passion for storytelling. She began writing for a media platform early in her career, which sparked a love for storytelling that still drives her work today. With a deep passion for fashion, music, and all things pretty, Rachel is always on the lookout for the next best thing – and she’s quick to rave about it to those around her.
