Rumors have been rampant over recent weeks that Donatella Versace is to exit Versace as creative director. In December, sources reported that Italian fashion label (and Jimmy Choo) were being considered for sale by Capri Holdings, the parent company of both brands. Capri is reportedly working with the English bank Barclays to find buyers for the two brands. Donatella’s contract is reportedly up for renewal in February, and rumors are swirling within the industry that the contract will not be renewed. Donatella became creative director of the iconic Italian label (founded in 1978), following the untimely passing of her brother Gianni Versace in 1997. Over the past 27 years, Donatella has ultimately been responsible for countless cultural moments that have shaped the fashion world we know today.

Revisit the Versace Spring 2025 Show:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Who can do this other then Donatella?” [brandon J pierre]

“It’d be such a pity if Donatella Versace stepped down. She IS the brand for me. Although it seems like they are stuck at the moment.” [Thefrenchy]

“She is definitely an icon of the brand. However, that gives the new CD a lot to work from as far as iconography and what she brought to the house in a fresh way. The tribute collection was the best and worst thing that happened to Donatella. After that she became stuck.” [reese06]

“I don’t think that Donatella Versace currently has a say in the design process (not for a while). It is probably a design team. Ricardo Tisci would be interesting!” [Pradaromance2025]

“I’m desperately ready for a new vision of Versace, but one that digs deep into what Versace really is about. I want the sexy and glamorous with slight hints of tacky Versace back with great craftmanship. I also want Atelier Versace back.” [Salvatore]

“Can you imagine the wealth of iconography her successor will have at their disposal?” [GoldenPetals]

Share your own thoughts on the rumors Donatella Versace is to exit the label as creative director, here.

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The never-ending saga of musical chairs within the world of fashion just won’t come to an end. December 12 was perhaps the most eventful day of 2024. After an agonizing six-month wait, Matthieu Blazy was officially declared creative director of Chanel, within mere moments of the news dropping he had made an exit from Bottega Veneta. In the midst of such news, Louise Trotter was declared Blazy’s successor as Bottega Veneta creative director. The British designer previously was the creative force behind Carven, having joined the Paris-based fashion label in January 2023. Prior to her appointment as Carven, Trotter spent more than four years as creative director at Lacoste. Trotter will join the Kering-owned Bottega Veneta at the end of January 2025.

Revisit the Bottega Veneta Spring 2025 show:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Congratulations, I’m so happy for her. The only way to go is up for her now.” [THD96]

“Her Carven was low-key very nice. Fits the old Bottega Veneta I loved under Tomas Maier.” [tourbillions]

“I love this for Louise Trotter. It’s a sensible and considerate hiring. Fantastic!” [Lola701]

“A great match!” [thiago]

“I am excited to see what she will achieve at Bottega Veneta. It can go either way – and that is how fashion must be.” [FashionFanatico]

“End of an era at Bottega. I am sure she is a lovely and charming person, but Trotter’s Carven looks like diluted Jil Sander by the Meier’s, which itself was a diluted Old Celine. Confused as to how her appointment makes sense for a brand like Bottega Veneta?” [Frederic01]

“Louise Trotter doesn’t strike me as competent enough to be creative director. Her menswear is laughable and womenswear seems to be a mixed bag of everything: from Proenza through Phoebe to Maiers. Time will tell if she can conjure desirable pieces.” [Olaffo]

Share your own thoughts on Louise Trotter becoming Bottega Veneta creative director, here.

The post Forum Members React to Louise Trotter Replacing Matthieu Blazy at Bottega Veneta appeared first on theFashionSpot.

The fashion world has been waiting with bated breath since June, sat perched in suspense as to who would replace Virginie Viard as Chanel creative director. Viard served as the creative force behind Chanel since 2019, following the passing of the late Karl Lagerfeld. Names like Hedi Slimane and Simon Porte Jacquemus were reportedly considered as candidates, sending the rumor mill into overdrive after Viard’s abrupt departure. Yet true to recent heavy speculation, Matthieu Blazy has landed himself one of the most coveted jobs in fashion as Chanel creative director. Prior to the Chanel announcement dropping, Blazy was only announced to be exiting his role at Bottega Veneta mere moments earlier. The French-Belgian designer, who has served as Bottega Veneta creative director since November 2021, is set to join the fabled French fashion house in early 2025 and will present his debut show in October.

Revisit the Chanel Pre-Fall 2025 show:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“CONGRATS MATTHIEU! FINALLY SOME GOOD NEWS!” [90sfan]

“Thanks GOD it’s him and not Hedi Slimane.” [matheus_s]

“Fantastic! I’m welcoming the unexpected and fresh vision for Chanel. I have no doubts that we will find the codes of the house infused in his work.” [Lola701]

“Congratulations to him! Can’t wait for his debut.” [thiago]

“All things considered. I’m just glad Chanel isn’t going with a washed-up designer or someone who’s on the descent of their career.” [blueorchid]

“Time will tell. I am more excited about his couture than RTW. Blazy will definitely excel there with the resources Chanel can give him.” [tourbillions]

“I’m optimistic. He had a strong run at Bottega Veneta and the last collection had the kind of wit and charm that could do very well being run through the Chanel filter.” [Drusilla]

Share your own thoughts regarding Matthieu Blazy appointed Chanel creative director and join the conversation, here.

The post Forum Members React to Matthieu Blazy Officially Becoming Chanel Creative Director appeared first on theFashionSpot.

The industry’s game of musical chairs continues. The year 2024 has brought us a handful of internet-breaking moments, including Virginie Viard parting ways with Chanel, Alessandro Michele taking up the mantle at Valentino, Kim Jones leaving Fendi, and Julian Klausner becoming creative director of Dries Van Noten. The latest to rock the world of fashion is John Galliano exiting Maison Margiela. It was back in January that Galliano presented the masterful Spring 2024 Maison Margiela Artisanal collection at the end of Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week. The viral and spectacular showcase has ultimately become Galliano’s swansong collection. Galliano was appointed creative director of Maison Margiela in 2014, following his exit from Christian Dior in 2011. The celebrated British designer will be leaving subsequent to a 10-year stint, while Galliano’s plans for the future remain unknown.

Revisit the Maison Margiela Artisanal Spring 2024 show:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Off to somewhere, no?” [Kimihiro]

“Before y’all start screaming Dior. I encourage you revisit some of those threads towards the end of his tenure there. He had nothing left to contribute to Dior then and doubt anything has changed. Wonder what his next move will be? It would be nice for him to consult somewhere like he did with Oscar de la Renta.” [reese06]

“I think the best outcome would be if Galliano somehow managed to regain control of the Galliano brand. I don’t want to go back to Dior (or similar). He wouldn’t be able to handle the commercial demands of today’s landscape.” [Marc10]

“Galliano would do well at his own brand, doing clothes for his fans. I don’t think his mind/body can play the big brand game anymore.” [Alquimista]

“And now I wonder what would have happened if that January collection never became viral…” [Lola701]

“‘When the time is right, all we be revealed’. Sounds like something big is around the corner…” [Monsieur Cristobal]

“Fingers crossed this statement will live up to the hype it’s giving!! Do not want to be let down!!” [mteb123]

Share your own thoughts on John Galliano exiting Maison Margiela and join the conversation, here.

The post Forum Members React to John Galliano Exiting Maison Margiela as Creative Director appeared first on theFashionSpot.

Dries Van Noten has found himself a successor in Julian Klausner, who today has been announced as creative director of the Antwerp-based label. In March, Noten sent shockwaves through the fashion industry, as he took to Instagram to announce his retirement. After almost four whole decades in the business, the celebrated designer presented his “perfection” of a swansong collection during the Spring 2025 season of Menswear Paris Fashion Week. Fast forward to December 2025 and the label is heading in the new year with a new designer at the helm. I am beyond thrilled to oversee the upcoming seasons as we begin the next chapter for this house. The incomparable legacy that Dries is leaving behind is monumental, serving as an endless source of precious inspiration. I look forward to embarking on new ambitious challenges while honoring the heritage we all cherish,” said Klauser in a statement.

Klauser will be responsible for both the women’s and men’s collections. The 33-year-old Belgian designer has worked with Dries Van Noten on womenswear since 2018, and studied at the La Cambre in Brussels. Klauser will unveil his debut menswear offering with a lookbook in January, and is set to stage his first runway showcase as Dries Van Noten creative director during the Fall 2025 season of Paris Fashion Week in March.

Julian Klausner Appointed Creative Director of Dries Van Noten:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Wish the best for him! Hope he keeps Dries’ legacy with grace.” [thiago]

“Can’t wait for his menswear lookbook in January! Good luck!” [Olaffo]

“Good choice I think. Dries is still involved in the company so it’s good to have someone who is not too much of personality to continue the legacy. I really did not expect a known designer to come from outside.” [Lola701]

“I’m digging this. No drama, no nonsense, and logical transition. I wonder if the Spring 2025 ‘studio’ collection was his final audition necessary to convince the key stakeholders. Quite curious to see what he will bring to menswear.” [j02215]

“A step in the right direction.” [helmutnotdead]

Share your own thoughts on Julian Klausner becoming Dries Van Noten creative director, here.

The post Forum Members React to Julian Klausner Becoming Dries Van Noten Creative Director appeared first on theFashionSpot.

Chanel is still without a creative director, following the abrupt departure of Virginie Viard in June. Rumors remain rife within the industry that Bottega Veneta’s Matthieu Blazy is set to be announced as Viard’s replacement. Today, on December 3, the house of Chanel ventured to Hangzhou, China to present its Métiers d’art collection for Pre-Fall 2025. More than 1000 guests lined the runway (including brand ambassador Lupita Nyong’o), as models emerged from backstage and out onto the runway at nightfall. Staged adjacent to the majestic waters of the West Lake, the Chanel design studio team blended traditional Chinese garment detailing with a 70s Western flare. The Chanel Pre-Fall 2025 collection was ultimately inspired by the treasured Coromandel screens in the iconic Rue Cambon apartment of Mademoiselle Gabrielle Chanel (one even features the city of Hangzhou and its famous lake).

Watch below the Chanel Pre-Fall 2025 show:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“CHANEL IS TRULY DEAD!” [chanelh]

“It was technically ‘better taste’ than whatever Virginia Viard was doing toward the end of her tenure. However, somehow this collection left me with the distinct feeling that the magic at Chanel has completely evaporated into thin air. Those opening looks were funerary in feeling.” [Frederic01]!”

“So boring, dull, and lifeless.” [bennyboy]

“Looking at the collection, Chanel clearly needs a creative director that will push this brand in a fresh, new direction. Most of the looks do not stand for fashion excitement.” [MModa]

“It’s a shame because I do think Chanel have a strong design team. However, they are all trying to outshine each other, rather than to conceptualize the show as one.” [tourbillions]

“Those white tiered plisse pants are the worst thing in this show. Followed by the pear-shaped jacket – it should’ve been cut. The black lace dress with the cutouts should’ve been cut too. Those two belted numbers in gold and navy could’ve gone too.” [Nimsay]

See all the looks from the Chanel Pre-Fall 2025 collection and join the conversation, here.

The post Forum Members Review the Hangzhou-Staged Chanel Pre-Fall 2025 Collection appeared first on theFashionSpot.

On Thursday, November 14 Wes Gordon staged his Carolina Herrera Resort 2025 collection in Mexico City. Gordon has been at the helm of the New York-based fashion brand (founded in 1980) since 2018. As a love letter to Mexico, the American designer and Central Saint Martins graduate presented a lineup boasting an explosion of volume and vivid color. Gordon opted to unveil his joyous collection amid the stone totems at The Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum. The collection also showcases intricate embroideries and ceramic embellishments from local Mexican female artisans (including María de los Ángeles Licona and Araceli Nibra Matadamas). The destination show also gave us our first glimpse at the Carolina Herrera x Frame collab.

Watch the Carolina Herrera Resort 2025 show:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Exactly what you’d expect and, I think, exactly what their customer wants.” [KoV]

“Gorgeous. Every single look. The prints, the colors, the shirts, the skirts, the dresses. The makeup and the jewelry too. Been a long time since I’ve seen a collection that colorful and that joyful.” [imjustken]

“Despite this collection being safe, it feels refreshing to see real clothes that deliver what customers want. As a whole, the collection is beautiful.” [EDEN21]

“CH is one of the few brand still embracing the spirit of American fashion even though it is very old-fashioned and dated in the dominant scene of modernity. I guess it is good for the brand to cater this specific clientele who enjoy the elegance and femininity. Some of the prints and color are very beautiful.” [JohannesL]

“Another fine display from Wes Gordon as Carolina Herrera creative director. Flawless collection from start to finish. I love the volumes, the vivid colors, and the inclusion of the Mexican artisans.” [vogue28]

See all the looks from the Carolina Herrera Resort 2025 collection and join the conversation, here.

The post Forum Members Review the ‘Flawless’ Carolina Herrera Resort 2025 Collection appeared first on theFashionSpot.

Immediately (and we mean immediately), upon Virginie Viard‘s abrupt exit as Chanel creative director in June, speculation was rife regarding who would succeed the long-serving Karl Lagerfeld protégé. Five months have since past, and the fabled French fashion house is yet to make an announcement. As a result, all this time of silence from the powers that be at Chanel HQ have allowed the rumor mill to be sent into overdrive. Since June, names like Hedi Slimane, Simon Porte Jacquemus, and Pierpaolo Piccioli have been thrown out as contenders for what is considered the most coveted design gig in fashion. The latest to be thrown into the potential new Chanel creative director mix is Matthieu Blazy. The celebrated French-Belgian designer, who has served as Bottega Veneta creative director since November 2021, is now a major front runner to become the creative force behind one of the most storied fashion houses on the planet. According to WWD, Chanel intends to make an announcement of a creative director in December.

Revisit the Chanel Spring 2025 Collection:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Well if Matthieu Blazy will be able to produce 1649 collections a year for next 30 years then I wish him best of luck. But this choice feels somehow bizarre. I can imagine Simon PJ there much more than Blazy.” [Olaffo]

“Good on paper but terrible in reality.” [GivenchyAddict]

“As a fan of his, I’d be happy for him but I don’t think it will work. This has got Dior-Raf written all over it.” [Living Proof]

“Too intellectual and esoteric for Chanel.” [rowjellies]

“I find this quite a safe choice. He seems easy to manage. I find his BV very nice, but hardly a fashion proposition. He’s going to do really beautifully crafted clothes at Chanel, I hope he hones in his volumes a bit and works on his art direction skills.” [Norden]

“Wow, honestly I’d like to see his take on Chanel.” [couturefan]

“A decoy to hide Jacquemus as successor.” [tourbillions]

Share your own thoughts as Matthieu Blazy potentially becoming Chanel creative director, here.

The post Forum Members React to Rumors Matthieu Blazy Becoming Chanel Creative Director appeared first on theFashionSpot.

On Wednesday November 13, the fashion pack digested the news Peter Do was to step down as Helmut Lang creative director. After less than two years at the helm of the New York-based label, the Vietnam-born designer is calling it quits. “I want to express my gratitude to my Helmut Lang team, who have been integral in supporting my vision. It’s been an incredible journey to be tasked to carry on the legacy of Helmut Lang. I would like to give special thanks to Kazumi for this opportunity of a lifetime and an experience that I will never forget,” Do said in a statement. For his highly-anticipated debut Spring 2024 collection presented during New York Fashion Week, Do’s lineup was heralded as a “cool urban uniform”. Do’s last collection will be for the Pre-Fall 2025 season, and a successor has not been named.

Revisit below the Helmut Lang Spring 2024 collection:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Good news! And I look forward to see who will be the next one destroying this brand (again)…” [jeanclaude]

“They should just forget about rebooting the brand and release archive pieces through capsule collections via Uniqlo like they did with the jeans.” [youthinasia]

“Who is surprised? Peter Do is a bubble for people who don’t really know anything about fashion. Peter Do should just try to be hired somewhere as a design director.” [Lola701]

“AMEN! Now we can let the brand die in peace.” [fenty]

“Just let Helmut Land die. Let the brand go it’s finished, it was such a long time ago and that time period that he existed in (Lang) has zero relevancy in this world that we live in right now.” [brandon J pierre]

“I can’t say I’m terribly surprised, like everyone says the original context for the brand is gone and no one’s figured out how to evolve it, just let it die.” [Drusilla]

“Peter Do’s approach to Helmut Lang was too insular. A poem linking cars to Vietnamese queerness doesn’t really have much widespread appeal.” [LadyJunon]

Share your own thoughts on Peter do exiting Helmut Lang as creative director, here.

The post Forum Members React to Peter Do Departing Helmut Lang as Creative Director appeared first on theFashionSpot.

Giorgio Armani skipped Milan Fashion Week in September, in favor of showing his Spring 2025 collection in New York. Last night, everyone from Pamela Anderson to Brie Larson showed up for the legendary Italian designer at the historic Park Avenue Armory on the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. Armani’s reason for venturing stateside was to commemorate his recent 90th birthday, a brand new building on Madison Avenue, and his namesake brand’s upcoming 50th anniversary. The undisputed king of Italian fashion looked back to the city during the 30s and 40s as inspiration. Armani’s latest lineup boasted swingy all-over embroidered dresses, soft tailoring, and cute pups as accessories – all in a nude, muted, and monochromatic color palette. Sig. Giorgio Armani in his element to say the very least.

Giorgio Armani Spring 2025 Collection Review

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Lovely collection, lovely casting, lovely setting. It’s definitely along the lines of Armani, but this, along with his last two haute couture collections, feels much more modern than his usual formula.” [LadyJunon]

“Missed the presence of the Giorgio Armani label during Milan Fashion Week, and was very much looking forward to this. Mr. Armani, of course, did not disappoint. Another flawless collection from the absolute master of elegance, sophistication, and glamour. The color palette is sublime, the fabrics are exquisite, the whole collection is divine.” [vogue28]

“One thing about Armani models is they’ll always look Forbes 100 rich. The collection is muted and classic yet youthful at the same time. My favorite was the menswear at the end with the hint of shimmer on it. Would have loved to see Mayowa and Ayak among the cast who I feel epitomize the classic Armani woman.” [Urban Stylin]

“I’m not a fan of Armani ready-to-wear. The fabrics are fabulous and move beautifully but it is very dated. However, the bags and the colors were good. I wish he came to NYC with his Armani Privé collection. Because that’s where the spirit of Armani really shines!” [Lola701]

See all the looks from the Giorgio Armani Spring 2025 collection and join the conversation, here.

The post Forum Members Review the New York-Staged Giorgio Armani Spring 2025 Collection appeared first on theFashionSpot.