Fashion Musical Chairs: Creative Director Edition
Versace to Prada: End of the Donatella Era
As of April 10th 2025, Versace was acquired by the Prada Group for approximately $1.375 billion from Capri Holdings, marking a new chapter for the iconic Italian house. Negotiations on the purchase price where set to have been discounted by more than $200m, due to the impact of Trump's trade war. Donatella Versace, who has led the brand since her brother Gianni's passing, is officially stepping down, and in her place, Miu Miu's creative director is set to take over. The acquisition is expected to boost Versace's revenue and global presence, as Prada Group continues its expansion into high-profile luxury. With this transition, the industry watches closely—will Versace retain its signature opulence, and eclectic nature or embrace a more refined, quite direction?
Jonathan Anderson off to Dior
After an impressive 11-year tenure, Jonathan Anderson bids farewell to Loewe and embraces his new role as the creative visionary behind Dior. Anderson, renowned for infusing Loewe with whimsical surrealism and unmatched creativity, transformed the Spanish house into an epitome of modern elegance. His legacy includes iconic designs such as the Puzzle Bag and playful yet sophisticated footwear like Minnie Mouse-inspired shoes, balloon heels, and those unforgettable cracked eggshell stilettos. Proenza Schouler's Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez have stepped in as Loewe's new creative directors as of April 7, promising a fresh chapter marked by their meticulous craftsmanship and refined aesthetics. Meanwhile, Kim Jones, the influential artistic force behind Dior Men for the past 7 years, is reportedly departing his celebrated position and is rumored to be heading to Burberry, signaling an exciting reshuffle among fashion's elite.
Demna Leaves Balenciaga, onto Gucci
In a game-changing move for luxury fashion, Demna is exiting Balenciaga after a decade of radical reinvention and will present his final couture collection on July 6. His next chapter? Taking over as creative director of Gucci, following Sabato De Sarno's departure after less than two years. Gucci, struggling with a 23% sales drop in 2024, is in need of a bold new direction, and Kering's decision to appoint Demna signals a dramatic pivot and hints at a return to daring, disruptive luxury—a stark contrast to the brand's recent quiet-luxury approach. With no news yet on who is set to takeover at Balenciaga, the industry is left wondering: Will Demna's Gucci era redefine the a fashion house once again, and what does this mean for the future aesthetic of Balenciaga?