If we've learnt anything about 2025 thus far, it's to expect the unexpected. It feels as though the entire fashion industry is at a disarray. With luxury spending experiencing a slump, fashion brands big and small are switching things up by revamping and refreshing their creative divisions in hope of inspiring consumers to be enthralled and excited, and most importantly, spend again.
After the Jil Sander Autumn/Winter 2025 runway show during Milan Fashion Week, it was announced that the show will be husband-and-wife duo Luke and Lucie Meier's last. The Meiers became Jil Sander's co-creative directors in 2017 and successfully revived the brand's minimalist aesthetic coupled with a focus on technique and craft, following periods of creative uncertainties.
In place, the brand has announced Simone Bellotti as its newest creative director. Bellotti most recently spent time as creative director at Bally for four seasons, and has had quite an impressive resumé that includes positions at A.F. Vandervorst, Gianfranco Ferré, Dolce & Gabbana, and Bottega Veneta. He also spent 16 years at Gucci.
“I am incredibly honoured to join Jil Sander, a storied house that created a new aesthetic with its unique approach and strong identity, and that has always had such a significant influence on the design community. I am grateful to Renzo [Russo] for the trust, and I am keen to contribute to the house’s full potential," Bellotti says in a statement released.
The appointment was made effective immediately on 13 March 2025, but no official word yet on when Bellotti will be making his debut.
In a rather unexpected move, Donatella Versace has stepped down from her post as chief creative officer of the house founded by her late brother Gianni Versace. Donatella took over the reins following Gianni's murder in 1997 and singlehandedly continued his legacy through a consistent use of the House's icons as well as expanding its community of celebrities. While she will no longer be involved in the House's collections, Donatella will continue to be at Versace as its chief brand ambassador—a title that will see her partaking in Versace's philanthropic endeavours as well as being an advocate for the House.
Dario Vitale has been appointed as Versace's new chief creative officer, effective 1 April 2025. Vitale was previously the design director at Miu Miu for two years before leaving in January this year. The Instituto Marangoni-alum is credited with the transformation of Miu Miu into one of the most sought-after brands, and Versace is clearly hoping to tap into some of that magic. Multiple reports have cited sources who've said that Prada Group is eyeing to purchase Versace, and if that indeed happens, the group will be working with a designer that it's already familiar with.
After news broke of the end of Sabato De Sarno's time at Gucci, speculations were rife of who would be next to take over and hopefully revive the fashion house. The main contender on everyone's lips seemed to be Hedi Slimane, who has become a free agent since leaving CELINE in October last year. But Kering made the shocking announcement of officially naming Demna as Gucci's new artistic director.
While it does seem to be a surprising decision, it's clear that Gucci is pivoting towards a much less risky move of hiring a creative with a proven track record as opposed to a relative unknown. Demna's 10-year tenure at Balenciaga—albeit contentious and scandalous at times—had made the House a fashion force once again, expanding the spirit of Cristóbal Balenciaga into menswear and reviving its couture business.
"I am truly excited to join the Gucci family. It is an honour to contribute to a House that I deeply respect and have long admired. I look forward to writing together with Stefano and the whole team a new chapter of Gucci's amazing story," Demna says.
This, of course, won't be the first time that Demna has worked with Gucci. In April 2021, Demna was involved in the House's 100th-anniversary project helmed by former artistic director Alessandro Michele. The Gucci Aria project saw both Kering-owned fashion houses putting their stamp in each other's collections in what they called "hacking" (as opposed to a collaboration). While Demna might not necessarily be moving towards a similar aesthetic once he officially assumes the role on 1 July 2025, it does provide insight on what he could do at Gucci.
