Fashion’s Game of Thrones: The Creative Director Shuffle You Don’t Want to Miss
Hold onto your front row seats — the fashion world is bracing for a serious shake-up. September and October are about to serve more drama than a couture-cloaked telenovela. From Balenciaga to Chanel, Gucci to Jean Paul Gaultier, designers are playing musical chairs, and we’re here for it.
Let’s talk who’s in, who’s out, and what’s at stake for each house. Because, honestly, keeping up with creative directors in 2025 is like to watch your favourite Netflix show.
🎭 What’s Actually Happening?
After a string of surprise exits and shocking appointments, the upcoming womenswear season will showcase not just new collections but a whole new generation of creative leaders. Some are legends, some are rising stars, and all eyes are on whether they’ll deliver — or flop.
Let’s meet the players.
🔁 Fast Recap Table: Who’s Taking Over What
| Fashion House | New Creative Director | Replacing |
|---|---|---|
| Balenciaga | Pierpaolo Piccioli | Demna |
| Chanel | Matthieu Blazy | Virginie Viard |
| Gucci | Demna | Sabato De Sarno |
| Loewe | Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez | Jonathan Anderson |
| Jean Paul Gaultier | Duran Lantink | Rotating Designer Model |
| Versace | Dario Vitale | Donatella Versace (still involved) |
| Bottega Veneta | Louise Trotter | Matthieu Blazy |
| Jil Sander | Simone Bellotti | Luke & Lucie Meier |
| Carven | Mark Thomas | Louise Trotter |
| Mugler | Miguel Castro Freitas | Casey Cadwallader |
💥 What’s at Stake? Everything.
September and October’s shows will be more than fashion week moments — they’re litmus tests. Designers will be judged on their ability to:
- Carry their fanbases and red carpet pull into a new house
- Respect brand DNA while injecting their personal flavor
- Manage tight deadlines and finicky budgets
- Stand out in an ultra-crowded debut season
Oh, and no pressure — just the entire fashion world watching (and judging).
🔍 Let’s Break It Down by House
Balenciaga: Pierpaolo Piccioli
Fresh from Valentino, Piccioli’s poetic couture touch replaces Demna’s irony-soaked cool. Can romance thrive where street once ruled?
“What I am receiving is a brand full of possibilities that is incredibly fascinating,” said Pierpaolo. His first Balenciaga RTW show lands this September.
Chanel: Matthieu Blazy
Instagram sleuths are already dissecting his Stories like it’s CSI: Fashion Week. After his success at Bottega, Blazy is expected to bring a punchy creative reboot. Will he finally launch Chanel menswear?
Gucci: Demna
Demna at Gucci is either genius or chaos — TBD. The house needs a revival (sales dipped hard), and Demna’s minimalist irony might be the jolt it craves. His first official show? Still mysterious. But a “first hint” is expected this September.
Loewe: Jack & Lazaro
The Proenza Schouler duo takes over from Jonathan Anderson. Big shoes to fill? Huge. Paris hasn’t always been kind to American designers, but the pair’s mastery of accessories and sharp tailoring might just do the trick.
Jean Paul Gaultier: Duran Lantink
No more designer rotation — JPG is going steady. Known for audacious upcycling and armor-like silhouettes, Duran is already shaking things up. Couture just got way more fun.
Versace: Dario Vitale
The Miu Miu-alum steps in alongside Donatella. Can he create a “Versace moment” like he did with the Belle bag at Bally? Fingers crossed for more Medusa magic.
Bottega Veneta: Louise Trotter
Only woman in this debut season squad! Known for refined, wearable chic, Trotter has a solid CV and just dressed Julianne Moore in Cannes. Let’s see how she reshapes Bottega’s strong legacy.
Jil Sander: Simone Bellotti
Taking over post-Meier era, Bellotti brings Swiss precision meets Milan warmth. Can he channel the ethereal aesthetic of Raf Simons days? We’re watching.
Carven: Mark Thomas
A familiar face promoted from within. Mark’s known in Paris circles and has worked alongside Trotter before. Will he carry her vision forward or go rogue?
Mugler: Miguel Castro Freitas
A true under-the-radar gem. With two decades at houses like Sportmax and Dior Couture, Freitas might just surprise us all with his Mugler debut.
📈 The Bigger Picture
Why does this all matter? Creative directors are the heart of a fashion house’s identity — they shape not just collections, but campaigns, brand image, even store design. With budgets tight and the luxury market shifting, getting it right is everything.
Plus, these shows are fashion’s Super Bowl. And we’re all watching.
💬 Your Turn!
Who are you most excited to see take the runway reins? Will Demna’s Gucci make headlines for the right reasons? Can Blazy turn Chanel into the show of the season?
Tell us in the comments under our Instagram post @fashionview.eu and tag someone who needs to weigh in on this lineup!
Written by the Fashionview Editorial Team | Gossip Stone Magazine
