These 9 creative directors are the visionaries behind the biggest fashion houses in the world

Fashion's game of musical chairs continues, with top luxury houses shaking things up with new creative directors

Within the hierarchy of a major fashion house, the creative director is the one who calls the shots. These visionaries are the maestros behind the scenes of a brand’s gilded logo, responsible for shaping its artistic trajectory and curating a distinctive aesthetic.

The past few years have witnessed debuts from several newly appointed creative directors. Sabato de Sarno was inducted as Gucci’s creative lead in 2023, while his predecessor, Alessandro Michele, was recently tapped to helm Valentino.

Here is an up-to-date recollection of the visionary minds behind our favourite luxury fashion brands.

9 PHOTOS

1. Matthieu Blazy for Chanel

In December 2024, Matthieu Blazy was appointed as Chanel's new artistic director, succeeding Virginie Viard, who departed in June 2024 after nearly three decades with the house. Blazy, previously the creative director at Bottega Veneta, is set to begin his role in early 2025, with his first collection expected to debut in October. His appointment is anticipated to bring a modern and innovative approach to Chanel's storied heritage. 

2. Louise Trotter for Bottega Veneta

Louise Trotter assumed the role of Bottega Veneta's new creative director at the end of January 2025, following her appointment in December 2024. Succeeding Matthieu Blazy, Trotter previously led Carven as creative director since February 2023. She was also previously with Lacoste, Joseph, and Calvin Klein. Renowned for her meticulous craftsmanship and ability to draw inspiration from real life, she is expected to merge Bottega Veneta's rich heritage with a modern sensibility.

3. Haider Ackermann for Tom Ford

In September 2024, Haider Ackermann was named the creative director of Tom Ford, following the departure of Peter Hawkings in July 2024. Ackermann, with his knack for creating equally alluring menswear and womenswear, will oversee all fashion categories at the fashion house, including accessories and eyewear. His debut collection for Tom Ford is scheduled for Paris Fashion Week in March 2025, but Timothée Chalamet gave us a sneak peek of what's to come at the 2025 Golden Globes.

4. Sarah Burton for Givenchy

Sarah Burton is set to debut her first collection for Givenchy at Paris Fashion Week in March 2025, overseeing both womenswear and menswear. Appointed as the brand’s creative director in September 2024, she stepped into the role following Matthew Williams’s departure in December 2023. With over two decades at Alexander McQueen—including 13 years as creative director—Burton earned global acclaim for her masterful tailoring, poetic storytelling, and ability to blend innovation with heritage, a sensibility she now brings to Givenchy.

5. Alessandro Michele for Valentino

Pierpaolo Piccioli left the fashion world shocked when he announced his departure from Valentino after 25 years as its creative director. Not long after, the brand anointed Alessandro Michele as his successor.

Michele previously led Gucci into a maximalist aesthetic, veering from his predecessor Tom Ford’s sleek and minimal disposition. Though his vision for Valentino is yet to be revealed to fashion aficionados everywhere, we are all eager to witness what Michele will bring to this new endeavour.

6. Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton

The singular Pharrell Williams has another formidable accomplishment. Following the untimely passing of the legendary Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton tapped Grammy Award-winning musician as its next creative director.

Williams made his runway debut as creative director at the Men's Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Week in Paris.

7. Sabato de Sarno for Gucci

Sabato de Sarno started his career in the fashion industry as an assistant pattern-maker at Prada. Later, he became the head designer of Dolce & Gabbana’s women’s knitwear and jersey collection. He became Gucci’s creative director in January 2023 after Michele’s Departure. 

De Sarno’s move away from a penchant for bright and loud hues pulled the brand back to its minimal roots in the form of his signature Ancora red.

8. Chemena Kamali for Chloé

The German-born Chemena Kamali began her career with Chloé under the leadership of then-creative director Phoebe Philo. Later, she became a design director under Anthony Vaccarello at Saint Laurent.

She was tapped to take over after Gabriela Hearst left the brand in 2023. During February’s Paris Fashion Week, Kamali debuted as Chloé’s creative director with her fall/winter 2024 collection.

9. Seán McGirr for Alexander McQueen

Seán McGirr, 35, took over as creative director at Alexander McQueen after Sarah Burton, who had helmed the brand after the eponymous designer died in 2010. McGirr graduated from the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London and previously held roles at JW Anderson, Dries Van Noten, and Burberry.