I mean who works in fashion and doesn’t even know who all the Creative Directors are – erm me!

With all the changes experienced within the fashion industry recently, it’s a wonder if anyone has actually managed to stay up-to-date.

We’ve taken some time to create a timeline of the most notable creative director changes within some of the biggest fashion brands. Allow us to refresh your memories, so that your only fashion week worry is refreshing your Instagram feed.

 

Gucci

Over the years Gucci had lost its magic under the creative direction of Frida Giannini. Rising back onto our top ten list, Allesandro Michelle has injected life, colour and personality into the brand with a total style overhaul.

1994 – 2004 Tom Ford

2005 – 2014 Frida Giannini

2015 – Present Allesandro Michelle

 

Christian Dior

Dior has experienced quite a few changes under eight different Creative Directors since 1946. All of whom were male, with the exception of Maria Grazia Chiuri. Being the only female Creative Director, much has been expected of Chiuri and it’s fair to say that she has surpassed expectations. Without straying too far from its sophisticated origins, Dior has a voice and we’re enjoying how it’s being used.

1996 – 2011 John Galliano (Now at Maison Martin Margiela)

2011 – 2012 Bill Gaytten

2012 – 2015 Raf Simons (Now at Calvin Klein)

2016 – Present Maria Grazia Chiuri

 

Balenciaga

When it was announced that Alexander Wang would be leaving Balenciaga to focus on his eponymous brand, Demna Gvasalia was the last name to be considered for the vacancy. Pushing Balenciaga into an unexpected direction, recent collections feature boxy silhouettes and oversizing in every sense, from puffer jackets to ruffles. And we want everything! 

1997 – 2012 Nicolas Ghesquière

2012 – 2015 Alexander Wang

2015 – Present Demna Gvasalia (Also, Head Designer at Vetements)

 

Louis Vuitton

A true icon in every sense of the word, Louis Vuitton is a brand that has not been subjected to much change. With Marc Jobs leading as Creative Director for over 15 years, many feared that Vuitton was no longer capturing the youth vote. Yet Nicholas Ghesquiere revived the label with clever strategies and campaigns. Their most recent collaboration with Supreme created excitement and pandemonium worldwide before being cancelled and recalled. We’re still confused about the whole thing…

1997 – 2014 Marc Jacobs

2014 – Present Nicolas Ghesquiere

 

Saint Laurent

Hedi Slimane is known for ‘popularising the skinny menswear silhouette’ and creating classic looks for Saint Laurent. Despite leaving and returning for a few years, Slimane’s style didn’t change; with classic styles and pieces for younger generations to identify with. 

2000 – 2016 Hedi Slimane (Also, previously Creative Director of Dior Homme)

2016 – Present Anthony Vaccarello

 

Givenchy

Riccardo Tisci’s successful stint at Givenchy proved that he would be an asset to any fashion house. His streetwear inspired pieces and printed sweaters will remain classic pieces for Givenchy. His influence on celebrity culture also keeps him in the headlines. Having dressed Beyonce for the Met Gala for the past 5 years, we are yet to see the effects Clare Waight Keller will have on the brand.

2005 – 2017 Riccardo Tisci

2017 – Present Clare Waight Keller

 

Chloé

Prior to Clare Waight Keller’s position at Givenchy, she worked at Chloe for 6 years. The female driven fashion house is renowned for their ethereal innocence and ultra-feminine feel. Natacha Ramsay-Levi’s debut collection featured flowy dresses and minimal colour.

1997 – 2001 Stella McCartney

2001 – 2006 Phoebe Philo

2011-2017 Clare Waight Keller (Now at Givenchy)

2017 – Present Natacha Ramsay-Levi (Previously at Louis Vuitton)

 

Lanvin

Lanvin’s creative directors, unlike some stay for more than two years. An exception was Bouchra Jarrar, who only stayed for two seasons. The only female to be Creative Director since the founder Jeanne Lanvin.

2001 – 2016 Alber Elbaz

2006 – 2016 Lucas Ossendrijver

2016 Bouchra Jarrar

2017 – Present Lucas Ossendrijver (again) 

 

Balmain

At the impressive age of 25, Olivier was appointed as Creative Director of Balmain. So it’s no wonder that he quickly aligned the brand with pop culture. To the displeasure of some critics, Balmain has now known as a celebrity-driven fashion house. Yet, regardless of personal opinion, Olivier can be credited for making diversity a topic priority on his agenda.

1932 – 2002 Oscar De La Renta

2005 – 2014 Christophe Decarnin

2011 – Present Olivier Rousteing

 

Celine

Philo’s lengthy tenure at Celine has cemented the label as the brand that cool girls wear and high street brands love to copy! On two occasions, rumours have surfaced about Phoebe stepping down from her top post, neither of which were proven to be true. Closely coming up to her 10th year at Celine, Philo has moved the label from strength to strength.

1945 – 1997 Céline Vipiana

1997 – 2004 Michael Kors

2008 – Present  Phoebe Philo

 

What changes in ‘creative direction’ do you predict in the next couple seasons?