Ins And Outs: Here Are All The Major Designer Changes In Fashion

Fashion is no stranger to a little game of musical chairs, and every few months, it seems like there’s a moving in or moving out of a designer from the industry’s biggest players. Designers are switching from one house to another, creative visions are constantly changing with the ushering in of a new name at the top of the creative ladder, and the front-row crowd can barely keep up with who’s where. But hey, isn’t that part of the fun?

In this whirlwind world where change is the only constant, every new move sparks fresh buzz and bold ideas. So buckle up—it’s time to unpack the latest sartorial shuffle and see who’s dancing to a different tune.

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Jaden Smith

In: Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin has appointed Jaden Smith as the brand’s first-ever men’s creative director, marking a bold new chapter for the French luxury footwear brand. Known for his boundary-breaking personal style and commitment to self-expression, Smith will co-create upcoming men’s collections alongside Louboutin, with their first joint capsule set to drop soon. The collaboration is expected to blend Louboutin’s signature flair with Smith’s eccentric, future-forward aesthetic.

The move signals Louboutin’s growing interest in deepening its menswear presence, tapping into Smith’s cultural currency and appeal to younger, fashion-conscious audiences. In a press release, Louboutin highlighted how Jaden’s “world is rich and multidimensional, his style and cultural sensibility are inspiring and his curiosity and openness are remarkable”, adding that the actor-musician brings a fresh point of view that aligns with the brand’s DNA of freedom and creativity.

Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim

Out: Oscar de la Renta

After nine years at the American fashion House, co-creative directors Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim are exiting Oscar de la Renta. The duo were appointed to lead the brand two years after the passing of Mr. de la Renta, and their tenure has been marked by a refreshed take on modern glamour and an ease infused into the brand’s signature Fifth Avenue aesthetic.

In an Instagram post, Garcia writes that “it was a decision that came with much contemplation, and while it is sad it is also exciting for all to begin new chapters next year,” and underscored that Kim and himself hold gratitude to the company and their staff. He highlighted that their final collection will show in February 2026, and after that, Garcia and Kim plan to focus their full attention on their brand, Monse.

Rachel Scott

In: Proenza Schouler

Diotima founder Rachel Scott has been named the new creative director of Proenza Schouler, taking over from founding duo Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. Known for her craft-centric ethos and culturally rich aesthetic—especially her Jamaica-made crochet dresses and crystal-mesh pieces—Scott brings a deeply personal perspective rooted in diaspora narratives and artisanal luxury. Her official runway debut as Proenza Schouler’s creative director will be the fall/winter 2026 collection, set to premiere in February 2026. Scott retains leadership of Diotima alongside this new position.

Scott’s appointment has quickly attracted attention, marking a historic moment as the only woman of colour with a creative director post at a major international American fashion house, and highlighting a progressive shift in American fashion’s leadership landscape.

Meryll Rogge

In: Marni

Belgian designer Meryll Rogge has been appointed as the new creative director of Marni, succeeding Francesco Risso after his decade-long tenure—a move that marks a welcome return to female leadership for the label founded by Consuelo Castiglioni. Educated at Antwerp’s Royal Academy, Rogge brings a pedigree shaped by creative stints at Marc Jacobs and leading women’s design at Dries Van Noten before launching her own eponymous brand.

Her independent label is celebrated for its inventive knitwear, playful silhouettes, and vintage-meets-modern sensibility, earning accolades including the Belgian Fashion Awards’ Designer of the Year and the prestigious 2025 ANDAM Grand Prize. Marni’s parent OTB Group praised Rogge’s “sensitivity in reinterpreting the brand’s DNA,” noting her aptitude to shape the brand across accessories, interiors, communications, and special projects.

Francesco Risso

Out: Marni

Almost a decade into his tenure as Marni’s creative director, Francesco Risso has announced that he will be departing the cult-favourite Italian brand. As he parts ways with the label, Risso, through a statement, said that “Marni has been a studio, a stage, a dream. It carried color, instinct, care, and gave space for people to be themselves. It taught me how to build with feeling and how powerful true collaboration can be. Thank you to the whole Marni team, and to all the friends who joined along the way, and here’s to more extraordinary journeys ahead”.

Under Risso’s care, he injected a playfulness, an appreciation of craft, and found a way to take the brand’s signature streak of maximalist, hyper-artistic leanings and translate it to a wider audience with sold-out high-street collaborations and plenty of memorable red-carpet moments that have reached new shoppers beyond fashion’s pack of insiders.

Jonathan Anderson

Out: LOEWE

In: Dior, Dior Men

In what has been a widely speculated move, it is confirmed that Jonathan Anderson will assume the helm of Dior’s womenswear line. This comes on the tail of Maria Grazia Chiuri’s departure after her cruise 2025/2026 showcase in Rome. In April, LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault confirmed during a meeting with shareholders that Anderson will succeed Kim Jones at Dior Men. He will be presenting his first menswear collection for the brand during Paris fashion week this June.

In his first statement to the press, Anderson expressed that it “is a great honour to join the House of Dior as Creative Director of both women’s and men’s collections. I have always been inspired by the rich history of this House, its depth, and empathy. I look forward to working alongside its legendary Ateliers to craft the next chapter of this incredible story”.

Prior to his appointment at Dior and Dior Men, Anderson spent 12 years at LOEWE. During his tenure, Anderson managed to transform the sleepy House into a fashion juggernaut known for pushing its heritage in craft to a new generation of shoppers. Past shows from Anderson have seen everything from grass sprouting out of coats, dresses shaped as cars and wildly successful collaborations with Studio Ghibli and On Running as well.

In his Instagram post, Anderson wrote fondly about his privilege to be “surrounded by people with the imagination, the skills, tenacity and resourcefulness to find a way to say ‘yes’ to all my wildly ambitious ideas”, and how since day one, he has seen LOEWE as a cultural brand. “This idea relied heavily on the trust and generosity of the many artists, craftspeople, estates, foundations, museums and galleries who contributed their work,” he wrote.

Maria Grazia Chiuri

Out: Dior

Having spent nine years helming Dior’s womenswear department as the brand’s creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri will be leaving the brand. Under her watch, Dior more than doubled its profits, thanks to Chiuri’s talent for creating clothing and accessories that appeal to the modern-day customer. Some of her greatest hits include the Book tote bag, the “We Should All Be Feminists” tees and J’Adior slingback heels.

In a statement to the press, chairman and CEO Delphine Arnault expressed her gratitude towards Chiuri, saying that “since her arrival at Dior, [she] has accomplished tremendous work with an inspiring feminist perspective and exceptional creativity, all imbued with the spirit of Monsieur Dior, which allowed her to design highly desirable collections”.

Related article: How Maria Grazia Chiuri Made Her Mark At Dior

Pierpaolo Piccioli

Out: Valentino

In: Balenciaga

Capping off months of speculation, it was announced in the early hours of Monday that Pierpaolo Piccioli will be taking over the creative mantle at Balenciaga. The Italian designer said in a statement that his appointment “gives me the chance to shape a new version of the Maison, adding another chapter with a new story”, and conveyed his gratitude to outgoing designer Demna. Piccioli will be showcasing his first collection in October.

In the same media statement, Balenciaga’s CEO Gianfranco Gianangeli added that he is “excited to begin this new era at Balenciaga with Pierpaolo. His creative vision will thrive, and he will perfectly interpret the legacy of Cristóbal Balenciaga, building on the House’s bold creativity, rich heritage and strong culture”.

Duran Lantink

In: Jean Paul Gaultier

After five years since Jean Paul Gaultier stepped down from his namesake house, the brand has announced that they will be bringing Duran Lantink on as a permanent creative director. The Dutch-born designer has been making waves in the industry thanks to his signature sense of humour and deft ability to cut a great silhouette that reshapes the body to fascinating proportions.

“I see in him the energy, audacity and playful spirit through fashion that I had at the beginning of my own journey: the new enfant terrible of fashion,” Gaultier said, praising the young designer. Prior to Lantink, the House of Gaultier has been inviting a revolving roster of designers to reinterpret the brand’s codes, thus giving the likes of Simone Rocha, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Nicolas di Felice and more to flex their imagination through a Gaultier lens.

Related article: How Are Some Indie Designers Defying The Luxury Slowdown?

Casey Cadwallader

Out: Mugler

Having spent seven years at the House of Mugler, Casey Cadwallader has officially bowed out of the brand. Under his creative directorship, Mugler found a new groove, thanks to Cadwallader’s ability to evoke the House’s rich history in creating show-stopping pieces, and offer up this vision of sensual glamour with a modern twist.

“Over the last seven years, his unique vision has helped introduce Mugler to a new generation, all the while celebrating core themes of empowerment, inclusivity and identity”, said Danièle Lahana-Aidenbaum, global brand president of Mugler fashion & fragrances, who went on to wish the outgoing designer well, saying “we wish Casey the utmost success in his next ventures”.

Miguel Castro Freitas

In: Mugler

Succeeding Cadwallader is Miguel Castro Freitas, a relatively unknown Portugese designer who has cut his teeth at Saint Laurent as well as Lanvin. Notably, his last few roles prior to joining Mugler were at Dries Van Noten as head of womenswear and creative director of Sportmax.

In his first statement to the press, Freitas says that “it is an honour to join the spectacular house of Mugler. As one of the twentieth century’s great couturiers, Mr Mugler reimagined the power and limits of fashion. Alongside the teams, I am thrilled to bring my own vision, story and emotion to this monumental heritage”.

Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez

Out: Proenza Schouler

In: LOEWE

After a good run of 23 years at the brand that they founded, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez announced in January 2025 that they are bidding farewell to their posts at Proenza Schouler. In their time at the New York-based label, the duo found success with their approach to creating contemporary, urban designs that speak to New York’s cosmopolitan shopper. Bags like the PS1 and the follow-up PS11 were both hits with fashion insiders and celebrities alike, and in recent years, they’ve shaped Proenza Schouler in a more grown-up design direction that transcends trends.

Three months later, it’s been officially confirmed that they will succeed Jonathan Anderson at LOEWE. Of their appointment, LVMH executive Sidney Toledano said in a statement that “their eclectic creativity and dedication to craft make them a natural choice to build the next chapter for LOEWE”. The duo will assume their new roles from 7 April.

Related article: Here’s Why Jack McCollough And Lazaro Hernandez’s Appointment At LOEWE Is Exciting To Watch

Demna

Out: Balenciaga

In: Gucci

Moving internally within Kering’s stable of brands, Demna has been appointed as Gucci’s new creative director. He will showcase his final show for Balenciaga in Paris during the July haute couture shows, before taking up the mantle of the Italian brand later that same month.

In his statement, chairman and CEO of Kering François-Henri Pinault highlighted Demna’s contributions to Balenciaga and the group as a whole, continuing to say that “his creative power is exactly what Gucci needs…I look forward to seeing him shape Gucci’s new artistic direction”.

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Donatella Versace

Out: Versace

After more than two decades since she took over the helm of the House of Versace, Donatella Versace has announced in 2025 that she will be stepping down as the brand’s chief creative officer. In her tenure at the Italian brand, Versace took it upon herself to honour her late brother Gianni Versace’s legacy, and continue his brand of brazen, modern and sensual design.

“It has been the greatest honour of my life to carry on my brother Gianni’s legacy”, the designer said in a statement, adding that in her view, Gianni was a “ true genius, but I hope I have some of his spirit and tenacity”. Donatella will remain at the brand in a new role as chief brand ambassador.

Dario Vitale

Out: Miu Miu

In: Versace

Taking over Donatella Versace’s reins at Versace is Dario Vitale, who will assume the role effectively in April. Vitale comes from a wildly successful stint at Miu Miu, where he oversaw brand image and was design director of ready-to-wear collections alongside Miuccia Prada.

In his statement to the press, Vitale talked about how “the House of Versace has a unique heritage that has spanned decades and has shaped the history of fashion”, and highlighted his wishes to “contribute to the future growth of Versace and its global impact through my vision, expertise and dedication”.

Simone Bellotti

Out: Bally

In: Jil Sander

Filling Jil Sander’s vacant spot is Simone Bellotti, who just spent three years at Bally. Under his care, Bellotti turned the sleepy fashion brand into a label popular with menswear nerds and fashion insiders who flocked to Bally for its elegantly nonchalant wardrobe of easy-to-match staples.

In talking about his new role, Bellotti stated that he felt honoured to assume the creative directorship of Jil Sander, adding that this was “a storied house that created a strong identity, and that has always had such a significant influence on the design community”.

Lucie and Luke Meier

Out: Jil Sander

A day after they staged their fall/winter 2025 showcase in Milan, husband-and-wife duo Lucie and Luke Meier announced that they will depart Jil Sander after eight years. Under their care, the Meiers reinterpreted Jil Sander’s minimalist House codes to create collections that elevate and strengthen the brand’s fashion footing. From banana-shouldered suiting to fringed gowns and otherworldly winterwear, the Meiers demonstrated season after season that they bring a fresh perspective to the brand’s signature minimalism.

In a press statement, Jil Sander’s parent company OTB’s chairman Renzo Russo shared his gratitude for the designers, thanking them “for their vision, passion for excellence, and dedication to the brand”.

Sabato De Sarno

Out: Gucci

Weeks before the fall/winter 2025 show in Milan, Gucci announced that creative director Sabato De Sarno will be exiting the Italian brand. De Sarno was appointed to the role in January 2023 to succeed his predecessor, Alessandro Michele. In his time at Gucci, De Sarno was known to champion a particular shade of cherry red named Ancora Rossa, and focused his design on expounding the House icons and codes.

In a statement, Gucci’s CEO Stefano Cantino said he “would like to express my deep gratitude to Sabato for his passion and dedication to Gucci. I sincerely appreciate how he honoured Gucci’s craftsmanship and heritage with such commitment.”

The upcoming fall/winter 2025 show will be led by the brand’s design studio.

Kim Jones

Out: Dior Men, Fendi

Having spent seven years as the artistic director for Dior’s menswear line, Kim Jones has announced that he will step down from the role. After showing a stellar menswear fall/winter 2025 showcase that received a standing ovation in Paris and receiving a knighthood shortly after, Jones announced at the end of January 2025 that he will leave his post.

“It was a true honour to have been able to create my collections within the House of Dior, a symbol of absolute excellence. I express my deep gratitude to my studio and the ateliers who have accompanied me on this wonderful journey. They have brought my creations to life,” said Jones via a press statement.

Earlier in October 2024, it was also announced that Jones would be leaving the role of the womenswear’s creative director at Fendi after four years at the Italian brand. During his tenure, Jones was able to bring a new sense of energy and verve to the century-old House, staging high-octane runway shows and working with the likes of Pokemon and Marc Jacobs to release specially-designed collaboration collections to reach a younger audience.

Related article: Rigour And Vigour Reign At Dior’s Menswear Show

Glenn Martens

Out: Y/Project

In: Maison Margiela

Maison Margiela has found its designer, and it’s none other than Glenn Martens. After leaving Y/Project, where he spent 11 years steering the independent label prior to its closure, Martens will now bring his savage brilliance and raw wit to Margiela’s ateliers. Through a statement released to the media via the brand’s parent company OTB, Martens said, “I feel extremely honoured to join the amazing Maison Margiela, a truly unique house that has been inspiring the world for decades.” He will still continue his work as the creative director of Diesel.

Matthieu Blazy

Out: Bottega Veneta

In: Chanel

Arguably one of the most-watched appointments in fashion of 2024 was who would succeed Virginie Viard at the storied House of Chanel. Just a mere few weeks before Christmas, and after six long months of speculations, we got our answer: Matthieu Blazy is headed to the French fashion brand to lead its creative charge. Under his care, Blazy will be responsible for all of the fashion, haute couture and accessories collections that the House creates, and will make his runway debut in the later half of 2025 when he shows his spring/summer 2026 presentation in Paris.

Related article: Matthieu Blazy Makes Total Sense For Chanel And Its Customer, Here’s Why

Louise Trotter

Out: Carven

In: Bottega Veneta

Assuming the mantle at Bottega Veneta that was left behind by Blazy is Louise Trotter, who herself left Carven. Trotter was instrumental in reviving the sleepy French label after it went into bankruptcy, and began elevating Carven amongst the cool girls of fashion, thanks to her deployment of clean lines, timeless silhouettes and use of artistic details that made Carven a buzzy brand.

Related article: Meet Louise Trotter, Who Joins Bottega Veneta As The Brand’s First Female Creative Director

John Galliano

Out: Maison Margiela

After staging what was arguably one of the most memorable fashion shows to date, John Galliano announced his departure from Maison Margiela after 10 long years of collaboration. Since he stepped into his post at Martin Margiela, Galliano found a way to bring the once-cult brand into the lexicon of shoppers everywhere through commercially-successful collaborations with Samsung, Christian Louboutin and more, as well as outfitting Hollywood’s most fashionable names including Zendaya, Rihanna and Hunter Schafer.

In his farewell message, the designer hinted at news of his next chapter will eventually come, writing cryptically “when the time is right, all will be revealed”.

Related article: John Galliano’s 10 Best Margiela Moments, According to BAZAAR Editors

Michael Rider

Out: Polo Ralph Lauren

In: CELINE

After cutting his teeth as the creative director of Polo Ralph Lauren and as part of Phoebe Philo’s team prior to moving to the States, Michael Rider has been appointed as the man to take over the House of CELINE. It’s a homecoming for Rider, who first joined CELINE years ago under Philo as her design director for a good decade, and Rider brings with him a love for minimalist lines and refined, grown-up elegance that will endear him to fans of #OldCeline.

Related article: Michael Rider Will Replace Hedi Slimane at Celine

Hedi Slimane

Out: CELINE

Seven years after joining CELINE, Hedi Slimane has taken his leave from the French brand, where he served as the artistic director across both the men’s and women’s lines. In a note to the fashion media, CELINE stated that “under his creative and artistic direction, CELINE has experienced exceptional growth and established itself as an iconic French couture house”.

This was evident in the way that he pivoted the brand into one that expresses ideals of youthfulness, rebelliousness and nonchalance, endearing the brand to young and hip shoppers around the world that resulted in Slimane doubling CELINE’s sales in a mere five years since he started working at the brand. While no word has been said about where Slimane will move to next, we know he’ll continue to bring his midas touch to the next brand he joins.

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