It's a known fact that trends come and go, but who knew that the same also applied to creative directors? With all the lateral movements happening, never in the history of fashion have we been so confused as to who is heading which brand. (These turnovers and crazy cycles might even be harder than keeping up with the Kardashians.) That being said, here’s a rundown of the present sartorial leaders behind these five major fashion houses:
SAINT LAURENT
Out: Hedi Slimane
In: Anthony Vaccarello
It seems like the French fashion house’s rocker chic aesthetic isn’t going anywhere. The brand enlisted Anthony Vaccarello as its new creative director after Hedi Slimane’s 12-year stint of shaping the brand into its cool new edge. Touted as "Donnatella’s protégé," Vaccarello was formerly at Versus Versace and was responsible for maintaining its sexy appeal. Head on over to @ysl on Instagram and you’ll see fresh teasers of his signature sensual (and often tongue-in-cheek) direction.
LANVIN
Out: Alber Elbaz
In: Bouchra Jarrar
Filling in Alber Elbaz’s shoes must be overwhelming when that brand just so happens to be the oldest couture house in France. However, Lanvin is confident and thrilled to have Bouchra Jarrar take the wheel. According to Vogue, the company believes that "her talent, her high standards, and her mastery of cuts and fabrics will bring a breath of freshness and modernity into the house." She recently debuted her Spring 2017 Resort collection in New York, and we’re in love! The clothes truly embodied Jeanne Lanvin’s spirit of embracing the female form.
BALENCIAGA
Out: Alexander Wang
In: Demna Gvasalia
Alexander Wang’s successor, Demna Gvasalia, is also a fellow advocate of sleek street wear elevated with fine craftsmanship. Gvasalia is the designer behind cult brand Vetements, a brand known for its raw street style aesthetic. His youth-focused fashion did not misconstrue Balenciaga’s luxury persona. Rather, it injected the house with a cool new attitude. Show notes during F/W 2016 debut wrote “a translation, not a reiteration”—an introduction to those puff jackets, anoraks, and stoles he presented in the classic Balenciaga cocoon shape.
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA
Out: Stefano Pilati
In: Alessandro Sartori
According to Business of Fashion, Alessandro Sartori’s appointment as new artistic director only came days after Stefano Pilati exited the company. It may seem shocking, but this quick decision actually comes as no surprise. Sartori was at the helm of Z Zegna from 2003 to 2011 before taking the reins at Berluti (where he revived the brand’s sales!). Family-run company Ermenegildo Zegna is happy to welcome back the designer, looking forward to his F/W 2017 debut.
CHRISTIAN DIOR
Out: Raf Simons
In: Maria Grazia Chiuri
We’re just as excited about Maria Grazia Chiuri’s role as creative director as we were back in 2012 when Raf Simons took the lead after John Galliano’s exit. In fact, we even imagined the French brand under the famed Italian designer. For those of you who are not aware of Chiuri’s clout, she was one-half of the designer duo behind Valentino (The other half being Pierpaolo Piccioli). Chiuri and Piccioli were responsible for maintaining the brand’s romantic flair and strong Italian craftsmanship, and yes, for the Rockstud collection. Although we’ll miss Simons’ modern take on Dior’s silhouettes, we can’t wait for Chiuri's debut collection to drop!
