We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, in 2025 the fashion industry really did its big one with its game of musical chairs. Creative directors hopping houses, brands going on full-on business resets, if you blink you’ll miss it. Demna Gvasalia from Balenciaga to Gucci, Jonathan Anderson from Loewe to Dior, Matthieu Blazy from Bottega Veneta to Chanel, the Hernandez and McCollough duo leaving Proenza Schouler, Kering rebranding Alexander McQueen, honestly, I could go all day. In other words, every passing month feels like the final round, but these once-in-a-time moves are like a domino effect to the industry. That being said, here are this week’s updates.
Guess Who Runs Versace Now?
Drumroll please! Prada, Prada, Prada. Versace though? Legendary label, not so legendary digits. Lately the Italian house was struggling under Capri Holdings, so naturally, Prada Group offered €1.25 billion. No biggie. Don’t get me wrong, the paperwork’s still in the hands of the grown-ups, but if all goes well, early December is the big move. And boy does it get better. Lorenzo Bertelli, one of the Miuccia Prada’s sons, is the executive chairman to be. Feels like what the opposite of a vendetta would be. Andrea Guerra, CEO of Prada, told BoF “I don’t want to kill the patient while we cure it. At the beginning, stability is a very important word.” Translation: The Prada Group learned from Miu Miu, and yes, Versace is about to get a slow-burn glow-up.
Balmain Just Got Tron’d
After Olivier Rousteing left behind 14 years at Balmain, the lucky one is Antonin Tron. Atlein’s designer, best known for his draping and previous work for Balenciaga under Nicolas Ghesquière, Alexander Wang, and Demna, for Saint Laurent and Givenchy with Olivier Rizzo, Raf Simons, and Paul Helbers for Louis Vuitton, comes with a strong portfolio. Tron’s world is built on ease and technical precision, miles away from Balmain’s crystal-drama and power-shoulder legacy. Looks like a new aesthetic is on the way. Curious to see where a house that’s mastered maximalism for years goes from here. Guess Paris FW 26-27 is where we’ll find out.
Louis Vuitton and Hermès Just Said Goodbye to Key Leaders
Johnny Coca is leaving Louis Vuitton’s leather goods masterminds after 13 years, more than 5 years as director and a full 13 shaping some of the most-wanted bags. And now it’s time to pass the torch. Meanwhile, Anna-Sarah Panhard, former director of Hermès’ Home Division, steps in as head of Perfume and Beauty, taking over from Agnès de Villers. One leaves, one arrives, and just like that, luxury’s favorite game of the year continues.
