The luxury fashion industry’s creative director carousel is spinning fast, with no signs of slowing down.
Gucci announced in February 2025 the departure of Sabato De Sarno, barely two years after his appointment in January 2023, signaling yet another pivot for the storied Italian house. This exit follows a flurry of high-profile shifts: Sarah Burton, previously known for her tenure at Alexander McQueen, took the reins at Givenchy in September 2024, Michael Rider joined Celine in October 2024 succeeding Hedi Slimane, Matthieu Blazy, previously at Bottega Veneta, stepped into Chanel in December 2024, and Louise Trotter assumed leadership at Bottega Veneta that same month. Meanwhile, Fendi’s women’s wear creative director position hangs in suspense with no successor announced after Kim Jones’ departure in October 2024.
This rapid turnover and vacancies highlight an industry in hyper-flux, as top luxury brands wager on fresh voices to redefine relevance and appeal to evolving consumer preferences. The stakes are high, especially with the global luxury sector facing a forecasted slowdown—projected growth of just 2-4% annually between 2025 and 2027, according to McKinsey and BoF’s State of Fashion: Luxury report.
Current luxury fashion creative directors
For those struggling to keep up with this game of musical chairs, this guide offers a front-row briefing: a snapshot of all the creative directors steering the top luxury labels, organized alphabetically by brand name.
A
Alaïa
- Artistic Director: Pieter Mulier
- Appointed: February 2021
- Nationality: Belgium
Noteworthy: Pieter Mulier is a Belgian designer with a robust background in fashion and architecture, having trained at the Institut Saint-Luc in Brussels. He rose to prominence as Raf Simons’ longtime right-hand designer, collaborating at Jil Sander, Christian Dior, and Calvin Klein. Appointed as Artistic Director at Richemont-owned Maison Azzedine Alaïa in February 2021—his first solo leadership role—he has ignited a new cult following with bold yet thoughtful moves, including the viral Alaïa ballerina flats, exclusive runway spectacles, and a renewed emphasis on sculptural craftsmanship.
Alexander McQueen
- Creative Director: Seán McGirr
- Appointed: October 2023
- Nationality: Ireland
Noteworthy: Seán McGirr previously served as Head of Ready-to-Wear at JW Anderson. He also held the position of Women’s Designer at Dries Van Noten in Antwerp, Belgium. McGirr succeeded Sarah Burton, who had been with Alexander McQueen for 26 years, including 13 years as Creative Director, following the founder’s death in 2010.
Armani
- Creative Director: Giorgio Armani (founded the brand)
- Appointed: 1975
- Nationality: Italy
Noteworthy: Giorgio Armani remains one of the longest-serving designers, having shaped modern Italian fashion for decades. At 90, he continues to lead his eponymous brand since its inception in 1975. In April 2021, Alan Prada, formerly editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar Italia and Esquire Italia, joined the company as Deputy Creative Director of Online and Offline Image, a newly created role to enhance the brand’s visual identity across platforms.
B
Balenciaga
- Creative Director: Vacant from July 2025
- Appointed: N/A
- Nationality: N/A
Noteworthy: The creative director position at Balenciaga remained uncertain following the announcement in March 2025 that Demna who had held the role since 2015, was appointed as the new artistic director of Gucci. Demna is set to oversee his final couture show for Balenciaga on July 6, 2025, before transitioning to Gucci. No official announcement has been made regarding his successor at Balenciaga as of the current date.
Balmain
- Creative Director: Olivier Rousteing
- Appointed: 2011
- Nationality: France
Noteworthy: At 25, Olivier Rousteing became the youngest creative director at Balmain in 2011. He revitalized the brand with a bold, modern aesthetic, championing diversity and digital innovation. Before Balmain, Rousteing honed his skills at Roberto Cavalli
Bottega Veneta
- Creative Director: Louise Trotter
- Appointed: December 2024
- Nationality: United Kingdom
Noteworthy: Louise Trotter, the first female creative director at Bottega Veneta, is known for her refined minimalism and purposeful, textured designs. Her previous roles include creative director positions at Lacoste and Carven. Trotter is set to debut her first collection for Bottega Veneta during Milan Fashion Week in September 2025.
Burberry
- Creative Director: Daniel Lee
- Appointed: October 2022
- Nationality: United Kingdom
Noteworthy: Daniel Lee, formerly at Bottega Veneta and Celine, became Burberry‘s Chief Creative Officer in October 2022. His debut collection, Autumn/Winter 2023, reintroduced the Equestrian Knight logo and showcased a modern take on British luxury.
C
Celine
- Creative Director: Michael Rider
- Appointed: October 2024
- Nationality: United States
Noteworthy: Michael Rider, previously Creative Director at Polo Ralph Lauren, is set to take the creative helm at Celine in early 2025. His appointment marks a return to the French maison, where he served as Design Director under Phoebe Philo from 2008 to 2018. Rider’s tenure at Celine is anticipated to blend the brand’s heritage with modern tailoring, echoing the refined minimalism of the Philo era.
Chanel
- Creative Director: Matthieu Blazy
- Appointed: December 2024
- Nationality: Belgium-France
Noteworthy: Matthieu Blazy’s appointment as Creative Director of Chanel in December 2024 marks the first external hire for this role since 1983. Formerly at Bottega Veneta, Blazy also worked under Phoebe Philo at Céline and contributed to Maison Margiela’s Artisanal line. He succeeds Virginie Viard, who departed in June 2024 after nearly three decades with the house. Blazy’s first collection for Chanel is anticipated to debut during Paris Fashion Week in October 2025.
Chloé
- Creative Director: Chemena Kamali
- Appointed: October 2023
- Nationality: France
Noteworthy: Chemena Kamali, a German-born designer, was appointed as Chloé‘s Creative Director in October 2023. Her extensive experience includes roles at Alberta Ferretti and Saint Laurent. Kamali’s appointment marks a meaningful return to Chloé, as she began her career there under Phoebe Philo and later rejoined as Design Director to Clare Waight Keller in 2013. Known for her refined minimalism and purposeful, textured designs, Kamali’s debut collection is anticipated to bring a modern sensibility to Chloé’s iconic bohemian aesthetic.
D
Dior
Dior Menswear
- Creative Director (Menswear): Jonathan Anderson
- Appointed: April 2025
- Nationality: Northern Ireland
Noteworthy: Jonathan Anderson, after 11 years at LVMH-owned Loewe, is now Dior menswear’s artistic director, succeeding Kim Jones who stepped down in January 2025. His first Dior Men show is set for June 2025.
Dior Womenswear
- Creative Director (Womenswear): Jonathan Anderson
- Appointed: June 2025
- Nationality: Northern Ireland
Noteworthy: Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director for Dior’s menswear, is now also leading the womenswear collection, unifying both roles under a single artistic vision, a structure reminiscent of Christian Dior’s era. This follows the departure of Maria Grazia Chiuri, who made history in July 2016 as Dior’s first female Creative Director, stepping down after nearly a decade. He continues to helm his eponymous label, JW Anderson.
Dior Jewelry
- Artistic Director (Jewelry): Victoire de Castellane
- Appointed: 1998
- Nationality: France
Noteworthy: In 1998, Dior established its jewelry department, appointing Victoire de Castellane as its first Artistic Director. She previously spent 14 years designing costume jewelry at Chanel.
Dolce & Gabbana
- Creative Director: Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana (brand founders)
- Appointed: 1985
- Nationality: Italy
Noteworthy: Since establishing Dolce & Gabbana in 1985, the Italian duo has remained at the creative helm, continually drawing inspiration from their Sicilian heritage. Their designs are renowned for bold, baroque-inspired aesthetics that celebrate Italian culture.
Dries Van Noten
- Creative Director: Julian Klausner
- Appointed: December 2024
- Nationality: United States
Noteworthy: Following Dries Van Noten‘s retirement in June 2024 after a distinguished 38-year career, Julian Klausner, who had collaborated closely with Van Noten since 2018, was appointed as the new creative director in December 2024. Klausner, a graduate of La Cambre in Brussels, previously held positions at Maison Margiela and Thom Browne. He presented his inaugural womenswear collection for the brand in March 2025 at Paris’s Opéra Garnier, blending archival elements with contemporary interpretations.
F
Fendi
Fendi Menswear
- Creative Director (Menswear): Silvia Venturini Fendi
- Appointed: 1994
- Nationality: Italy
Noteworthy: Silvia Venturini Fendi, granddaughter of Fendi‘s founders, has been integral to the brand’s evolution, particularly in accessories and menswear. She continues her family’s legacy, infusing modern sensibilities into Fendi’s rich heritage. In February 2025, Fendi celebrated its 100th anniversary with a lush runway show in Milan.
Fendi Womenswear
- Creative Director (Womenswear): Vacant
- Appointed: N/A
- Nationality: N/A
Noteworthy: Kim Jones departed the brand in late 2024. His tenure was marked by a focus on artisanship and collaborations, reducing fur usage in favor of recycled materials. As of March 2025, Fendi has yet to announce a successor for the womenswear division.
Ferragamo
- Creative Director: Maximilian Davis
- Appointed: March 2022
- Nationality: United Kingdom
Noteworthy: Formerly the designer behind his eponymous brand, Davis was known for his sleek tailoring and modern minimalism before joining Ferragamo. At 27, he reinterprets the house’s heritage through a contemporary lens, introducing refined yet youthful silhouettes.
G
Givenchy
- Creative Director: Sarah Burton
- Appointed: September 2024
- Nationality: United Kingdom
Noteworthy: Sarah Burton, formerly the creative director at Alexander McQueen, was appointed as Givenchy’s creative director in September 2024. Renowned for designing the Princess of Wales’s wedding dress in 2011, Burton brings her expertise to Givenchy, overseeing both women’s and men’s collections.
Gucci
- Creative Director: Demna
- Appointed: July 2025
- Nationality: Georgia
Noteworthy: Gucci is entering a bold new chapter with the appointment of Demna as Artistic Director, announced in March 2025, following the departure of Sabato De Sarno in February 2025 after a brief two-year tenure. Demna, previously Balenciaga’s creative lead since 2015, will step into the role in July 2025, bringing his provocative, streetwear-infused vision to revitalize the Italian luxury house. Known for his disruptive designs and cultural commentary, Demna’s appointment has sparked mixed reactions as investors questioned his fit for Gucci’s heritage of timeless elegance. Gucci’s transitional phase continues to draw intense industry scrutiny.
H
Hermès
Hermès Womenswear
- Creative Director (Womenswear): Nadège Vanhée-Cybulski
- Appointed: 2014
- Nationality: France
Noteworthy: Nadège Vanhée-Cybulski assumed the role of Artistic Director for Hermès‘ women’s ready-to-wear in 2014. Vanhée-Cybulski’s illustrious career includes significant roles at Maison Martin Margiela, Celine, and The Row.
Hermès Menswear
- Creative Director (Menswear): Véronique Nichanian
- Appointed: 1988
- Nationality: France
Noteworthy: Véronique Nichanian has been at the helm of Hermès’ menswear since 1988, making her one of the longest-serving creative directors in luxury fashion. Before joining Hermès, Nichanian refined her skills at Cerruti under Nino Cerruti.
J
Jacquemus
- Creative Director: Simon Porte Jacquemus
- Appointed: Founded the brand in 2009
- Nationality: France
Noteworthy: A self-made designer, Simon Porte Jacquemus launched his eponymous label at 19 without formal training, carving out a niche with sun-soaked, minimalist designs.
Jil Sander
- Creative Director: Simone Bellotti
- Appointed: March, 2025
- Nationality: Italy
Noteworthy: Simone Bellotti is the newly appointed creative director of Jil Sander, succeeding Luke and Lucie Meier. He previously served as the creative director at Bally, where he was recognized for his innovative designs. Before that, he held design roles at Gucci and other prominent fashion houses, bringing a wealth of experience to the minimalist luxury brand.
L
Lanvin
- Creative Director: Peter Copping
- Appointed: June 2024
- Nationality: United Kingdom
Noteworthy: Known for his refined aesthetic, Peter Copping took over as Lanvin’s Artistic Director in June 2024. He previously held roles at Nina Ricci and Oscar de la Renta and played a pivotal role in Balenciaga’s return to haute couture. His debut collection in February 2025 honored Jeanne Lanvin’s legacy, blending 1920s influences with modern elegance.
Loewe
- Creative Director: Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez
- Appointed: April 2025
- Nationality: United States
Noteworthy: Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, founders of Proenza Schouler, have been named creative directors of LVMH-owned Loewe, effective April 2025. They succeed Jonathan Anderson, whose 11-year tenure elevated the Spanish house to fashion prominence. The American duo stepped down from their New York label, launched in 2002, in January 2025.
Loro Piana
- Creative Director: N/A
- Appointed: N/A
- Nationality: N/A
Noteworthy: Loro Piana has traditionally operated without a dedicated creative director. In March 2023, the brand appointed British designer Paul Surridge, formerly creative director at Roberto Cavalli, as a consultant to provide creative input while maintaining their collective approach.
Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton Womenswear
- Creative Director (Womenswear): Nicolas Ghesquière
- Appointed: November 2013
- Nationality: France
Noteworthy: Ex-Balenciaga, Nicolas Ghesquière took over as Creative Director for Louis Vuitton’s women’s collections in November 2013, succeeding Marc Jacobs, who stepped down after a storied 16-year tenure at the French Maison. In 2022, his contract was renewed for another five years.
Louis Vuitton Menswear
- Creative Director (Menswear): Pharrell Williams
- Appointed: February 2023
- Nationality: United States
Noteworthy: Pharrell Williams, music icon and fashion entrepreneur, was appointed as Louis Vuitton‘s Men’s Creative Director in February 2023. The position had remained unfilled since Virgil Abloh’s passing in November 2021. Williams’ inaugural collection debuted in June 2023 during Paris Men’s Fashion Week, reflecting his unique blend of pop culture and luxury fashion.
M
Maison Margiela
- Creative Director: Glenn Martens
- Appointed: January 2025
- Nationality: Belgium
Noteworthy: Belgian designer Glenn Martens was appointed as the new creative director of Maison Margiela in January 2025, succeeding John Galliano. Martens, who was the creative director at Diesel since 2020, is known for his innovative and edgy collections. He is the third creative director at Maison Margiela, following its founder Martin Margiela and Galliano.
Max Mara
- Creative Director: Ian Griffiths
- Appointed: 1991
- Nationality: United Kingdom
Noteworthy: Ian Griffiths has been at the creative helm of Max Mara since 1991, bringing a refined aesthetic to the brand’s collections. Under his direction, Max Mara has become synonymous with iconic outerwear, notably the classic camel coat. The brand’s designs have been favored by celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and Angelina Jolie.
Missoni
- Creative Director: Alberto Caliri
- Appointed: October 2024
- Nationality: Italy
Noteworthy: A longtime Missoni insider, Alberto Caliri officially took over as Creative Director in October 2024. With the brand since 1998, he previously led Missoni’s home and sport lines. His first full collection debuts for Pre-Fall 2025, blending heritage knits with contemporary flair.
Miu Miu
- Creative Director: Miuccia Prada
- Appointed: 1993
- Nationality: Italy
Noteworthy: As Prada’s longtime creative director, Miuccia Prada launched Miu Miu as the rebellious younger sibling to Prada’s polished aesthetic.
Moncler
- Creative Director: Remo Ruffini
- Appointed: 2000
- Nationality: Italy
Noteworthy: Remo Ruffini, who became Moncler’s creative director in 2000 and acquired the brand in 2003, has been instrumental in transforming Moncler into a leader in luxury outerwear. Moncler has embraced innovative collaborations, such as the Genius project, which debuted in 2018 and features monthly collections by renowned designers.
Moschino
- Creative Director: Adrian Appiolaza
- Appointed: January 2024
- Nationality: Argentina
Noteworthy: Adrian Appiolaza, ex-Loewe and Chloé, took over Moschino in January 2024 after the sudden passing of Davide Renne. His debut at Milan Fashion Week 2024 showcased trompe l’oeil designs and bold reinterpretations of Moschino’s heritage.
P
Prada
- Creative Director: Miuccia Prada (with Raf Simons as Co-Creative Director)
- Appointed: 1980’s (Prada) 2020 (Simons)
- Nationality: Italy (Prada) Belgium (Simons)
Noteworthy: Miuccia Prada, granddaughter of founder Mario Prada, has been at the helm since the 1980s, transforming the brand into a global fashion powerhouse. In April 2020, renowned Belgian designer Raf Simons, founder of his eponymous label and former creative director at Jil Sander, Christian Dior, and Calvin Klein, joined as co-creative director. This partnership seamlessly blends Prada’s rich heritage with Simons’ contemporary minimalism.
R
Ralph Lauren
- Creative Director: Ralph Lauren (brand founder)
- Appointed: 1967
- Nationality: United States
Noteworthy: Ralph Lauren, born in 1939 in the Bronx, New York, founded his eponymous fashion label in 1967, starting with a line of men’s ties. Over the decades, he expanded his brand into a global empire synonymous with American luxury and preppy style. In January 2025, at the age of 85, Lauren was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by American President Joe Biden, becoming the first fashion designer to receive this honor.
S
Saint Laurent
- Creative Director: Anthony Vaccarello
- Appointed: April 2016
- Nationality: Belgium-Italy
Noteworthy: Anthony Vaccarello, a Belgian-Italian designer, assumed the role of Creative Director at Saint Laurent in April 2016. He previously led Versus Versace and launched his own eponymous label.
Stella McCartney
- Creative Director: Stella McCartney
- Appointed: Founded the brand in 2001
- Nationality: United Kingdom
Noteworthy: Formerly the creative director of Chloé (1997–2001), Stella McCartney made her mark with feminine yet modern tailoring before founding her eponymous brand. A pioneer in sustainable luxury, she continues to push boundaries with cruelty-free, biodegradable materials and environmentally conscious designs.
T
Tom Ford
- Creative Director: Haider Ackermann
- Appointed: September 2024
- Nationality: France
Noteworthy: Renowned for his eponymous label and previous role at Berluti, Ackermann’s designs have been showcased by high-profile celebrities, including Timothée Chalamet. In September 2024, the Columbian-born French designer was appointed creative director at Tom Ford. He was also named the first creative director of Canada Goose in May 2024.
V
Valentino
- Creative Director: Alessandro Michele
- Appointed: March 2024
- Nationality: Italy
Noteworthy: Alessandro Michele, celebrated for his transformative tenure (2015–2022) at Gucci, assumed the role of Creative Director at Valentino in April 2024. His signature eclectic maximalism is anticipated to infuse Valentino’s collections with a fresh, innovative spirit.
Versace
- Creative Director: Dario Vitale
- Appointed: March 2025
- Nationality: Italy
Noteworthy: Dario Vitale was appointed Creative Director of Versace in March 2025, succeeding Donatella Versace, who, as the sister of founder Gianni Versace, led the house since his tragic death in 1997. A graduate of Istituto Marangoni, Vitale refined his craft at Dsquared2, Bottega Veneta under Tomas Maier, and Miu Miu, rising to Design Director of Ready-to-Wear and Head of Image. His debut marks Versace’s first collection in 47 years without Gianni or Donatella’s creative touch, though she remains the Chief Brand Ambassador. (Recently, rumors surfaced about a potential sale of Versace, with Prada mentioned as a possible buyer.)
Z
Zegna
- Artistic Director: Alessandro Sartori
- Appointed: June 2016
- Nationality: Italy
Noteworthy: A Zegna veteran, Alessandro Sartori first joined the house in 1989 before shaping Z Zegna’s aesthetic as creative director from 2003 to 2011. After a five-year tenure at Berluti, he returned to Zegna in 2016 as creative director.
Key takeaways from luxury fashion’s creative director landscape
The majority of creative crowns sit on European heads, but Pharrell Williams and Michael Rider hint at an American uprising.
The industry’s creative core remains Eurocentric, with most creative directors rooted in the continent’s fashion epicenters—Matthieu Blazy (Chanel, Belgium), Louise Trotter (Bottega Veneta, United Kingdom), Maria Grazia Chiuri (Dior, Italy), and Nicolas Ghesquière (Louis Vuitton, France) among them. Yet, Pharrell Williams has electrified Louis Vuitton menswear since 2023, while Michael Rider, appointed at Celine in October 2024, brings a stateside edge. Argentina’s Adrian Appiolaza at Moschino adds an outsider’s fresh take, but the deep-rooted heritage of European fashion houses keeps the old continent in the lead.
Belgian designers are emerging as luxury’s new power players.
Belgium’s designers are carving an indelible mark on luxury fashion, their influence rivaling the historic fashion capitals of Paris and Milan. The influence of Matthieu Blazy (Chanel), Glenn Martens (Diesel and Maison Margiela), Anthony Vaccarello (Saint Laurent), and Raf Simons (co-creative director at Prada) underscores Belgium as a creative incubator.
Luxury’s balancing act—honoring storied legacies while chasing modern relevance—is playing out in real-time through creative hires.
The appointments of hires from rival houses—Matthieu Blazy (ex-Bottega Veneta, now Chanel), Sarah Burton (ex-Alexander McQueen, now Givenchy), and Alessandro Michele (ex-Gucci, now Valentino) signal a strategy of importing proven disruptors to refresh heritage codes. Meanwhile, enduring icons like Giorgio Armani (since 1975), Miuccia Prada (joined by Raf Simons in 2020), and Hermès—led by Véronique Nichanian (menswear since 1988) and Nadège Vanhée-Cybulski (womenswear since 2014)—prove that staying power can deliver standout results. While Pharrell Williams’ appointment at Louis Vuitton underscores the growing influence of cultural crossovers in luxury fashion.
Menswear gets its spotlight.
The split roles at Louis Vuitton (Pharrell Williams for menswear, Nicolas Ghesquière for womenswear), Dior (Kim Jones, Maria Grazia Chiuri), Hermès (Véronique Nichanian, Nadège Vanhée-Cybulski), and Fendi (Silvia Venturini Fendi, vacant womenswear) highlight a growing emphasis on menswear as a distinct creative and commercial force. Pharrell’s boundary-pushing tenure since 2023, especially, underscores how menswear is no longer an afterthought but a headline act.
Luxury’s minimalist-maximalist split aesthetic is on full display.
Brands hedge bets across the aesthetic spectrum to capture a fragmented audience. From Alessandro Michele’s flamboyant Valentino and Pharrell’s bold Louis Vuitton to Michael Rider’s understated Celine and Sabato De Sarno’s minimalist Gucci (until February 2025), the industry reflects consumer divides—loud statements vs. quiet luxury.
Women hold key posts at iconic houses, showing progress amid a still-male-heavy creative field.
Female creative directors like Maria Grazia Chiuri (Dior), Nadège Vanhée-Cybulski (Hermès), Chemena Kamali (Chloé), Louise Trotter (Bottega Veneta) and Sarah Burton (Givenchy) hold key posts, signaling progress. Yet, male-dominated rosters at houses like Balenciaga and Saint Laurent suggest the gender balance is still uneven.
Celine and Bottega Veneta are a breeding ground for luxury’s top creative minds.
Phoebe Philo’s Celine (2008–2018) shaped industry heavyweights like Matthieu Blazy (Chanel), Daniel Lee (Burberry), Michael Rider (Celine), and Nadège Vanhée-Cybulski (Hermès). Meanwhile, Bottega Veneta under Lee (2018–2021) and Blazy (2021–2024) groomed successors like Louise Trotter (Bottega Veneta).