Fashion rock 'n' roll: reshuffles, rumors and the future of creative directors
The fashion world is undergoing a revolution, where reshuffles of creative directors have become the rule rather than the exception. What we know for today: Donatella Versace leaves her post, handing over the reins of Versace to the young talent Dario Vitale. Kering confirmed Demna's move from Balenciaga to Gucci, one of the most high-profile personnel decisions of recent years.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are rumors that Pieter Mulier may take Demna's place at Balenciaga, while Pierpaolo Piccioli, who left Valentino, is considering a new chapter at Alaïa. Maria Grazia Chiuri, if rumors are to be believed, is ready to return to Rome to head Fendi, thus making room for Jonathan Anderson at Dior.
The hope for the return of John Galliano, who is prophesied either Balenciaga or the revival of his own brand (though its fate is still in the hands of LVMH). At the same time Hedi Slimane is seen by many as the heir to Giorgio Armani, but in the Armani house any predictions are a risky business. Loewe is also on the list of possible changes, where either Proenza Schouler duo or Daniel Lee, who, in his turn, remains in Burberry.
The final point? There isn't one. Bally is still without a creative director, Maximilian Davis may leave Ferragamo, and the fate of Kim Jones and the duo of Lucie and Luke Meier remains unknown.
As confirmation, here is the list of debutantes at the following Spring-Summer 2026 fashion shows:
- Louise Trotter for Bottega;
- Mathieu Blasi for Chanel;
- Simone Bellotti for Jil Sander;
- Glenn Martens for Maison Margiela;
- Michael Ryder for Celine;
- Mark Thomas for Carven;
- Dario Vitale for Versace;
- Demna for Gucci.
But behind this game of chess is an important question: how do endless personnel changes affect brand identity? Fashion houses want instant impact, audiences expect big names and high-profile decisions, but do designers have time to build a real story before moving on to the next project?
Fashion has always had a rhythm of change, but does it need such speed? As the fashion industry searches for the perfect balance between renewal and continuity, it risks being trapped in a perpetual search for the 'right name', which may never have time to say the most important thing.
