High fashion houses have been many things — iconic, avant-garde, controversial, and influential. While the clothing itself goes through the ebbs and flows of change, the people behind such influence have been the same for a very long time. However, we have recently seen a lot of change amongst major fashion houses; Versace, Gucci (and Balenciaga) and Loewe have all simultaneously announced significant shifts in the careers of many who lead the brands for years.
Donatella Versace Steps Down
On March 13, 2025, Donatella Versace announced her departure from Versace after previously having led the brand since 1997. This signified her 30-year-long tenure as the chief creative officer of the luxury fashion house. She had initially taken on the role after the death of her brother and Versace’s founder, Gianni Versace was murdered outside of his Miami home.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to carry on my brother Gianni’s legacy,” Versace wrote on Instagram. “He was the true genius, but I hope I have some of his spirit and tenacity.”
According to a statement by the company, the fashion house will be led by Dario Vitale, the former design and image director of the Italian brand Miu Miu as its new chief creative officer. While Versace will stay on as the chief brand ambassador, this will mean handing the reigns to Vitale in terms of all creative direction for the brand moving forward.
Demna Appointed as Gucci’s Artistic Director
On the same day, it was also announced that Georgian designer Demna will be Gucci’s new artistic director. This was announced by the owner Kering in an effort to revitalize sales and the luxury brand’s image.
“His creative power is exactly what Gucci needs,” Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault said in a statement.
Demna has been a major influence in luxury fashion, having essentially introduced streetwear to the industry during his work with Balenciaga starting in 2016. While being widely praised for his work, 2022 caused a halt in this journey due to backlash on an ad campaign for Balenciaga involving children.
His work with Gucci will be something to look out for and fashion enthusiasts and business analysts alike look forward to the changes that this may bring to the well-known Italian luxury brand.
Jonathan Anderson Exits Loewe
A long-rumored departure, Jonathan Anderson, previously the creative director of Loewe, is officially stepping down from the position. This exit was vastly different from the other two, as instead of presenting itself as shocking news, this was more of a quiet and anticipatory process.
Anderson had previously hinted at his leaving the brand through a series of Instagram story posts reminiscing his 12 years at Loewe as well as pulling out of Paris Fashion Week to instead host an exhibit of his most iconic pieces. The news was only made official on March 17, 2025.
Although not officially confirmed, it is currently being speculated that designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez from Proenza Schouler are in talks about taking over. The two have recently stepped down from their own label, thus making them possible candidates for the role.
Anderson is credited with the rejuvenation of the Spanish brand, through his affinity for surrealism and contemporary fashion.
Which change were you most surprised by? Let us know by tagging @VALLEYmag on Instagram or X (formerly Twitter)!
