Written by Thelma Gauthier
Edited by Olivia Taylor
Between final exams and the holiday season, December can feel like a whirlwind for most students. But since the fashion world never slows down, there is much to catch up on. Here is a recap of some of the major events that closed out the year in fashion. Several significant appointments have brought fresh energy and creativity to some of the world’s most iconic luxury houses.
One of the most pivotal events for any luxury house is the appointment of a new artistic director. This role goes far beyond just crafting collections—artistic directors shape the creative identity of a brand by overseeing its advertising campaigns, selecting its ambassadors, and curating its runway shows such that they all embody a house’s vision. As 2024 came to a close, marking the end of fashion’s creative “mercato,” the industry buzzed with anticipation for the changes ahead. Major successions were announced throughout the month, and all eyes are now on the upcoming Paris Fashion Week, which will take place from March 3 to 11, 2025. Here, these new creative leads will unveil their highly anticipated debut collections, setting the tone for an exciting year in fashion.
Louise Trotter
At Bottega Veneta, Louise Trotter has stepped in as the new creative director. No stranger to the fashion world, she has successfully led multiple brands and is well-versed in crafting distinct brand identities. With a proven track record at Joseph, Lacoste, and Carven, Trotter now brings her refined expertise to this Italian powerhouse. Bottega Veneta, renowned for its rich history, exceptional craftsmanship, and substantial resources, offers Trotter an elevated platform to showcase her capabilities. The industry is eager to see how she will shape the brand’s future, with her debut runway collection already garnering significant anticipation.
Matthieu Blazy
The suspense is over – Matthieu Blazy, former artistic director at Bottega Veneta, has now taken the reins at Chanel, succeeding Virginie Viard. Viard’s tenure, following the tragic passing of Karl Lagerfeld, received mixed reviews, as Lagerfeld’s iconic influence was tough to succeed. Blazy’s name had already been making waves in the fashion industry thanks to his remarkable career; having honed his skills under luminaries like Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga and the iconic Phoebe Philo at Céline he developed a refined expertise that has deeply influenced his creative vision.
During his three-year tenure at Bottega Veneta, Blazy not only revitalized the brand’s identity—most notably by modernizing its signature woven leather designs—but also delivered impressive economic results. Under Blazy’s leadership, Bottega Veneta thrived, standing out as the top-performing fashion house within the Kering group, even amidst a global slowdown in the luxury sector. Sales rose by 4% in the first nine months of 2024, reaching €1.23 billion—a notable achievement in today’s challenging market and a much-needed boost for the conglomerate. Blazy’s nomination is a major shake-up for one of France’s most iconic maisons; despite Chanel’s always-spectacular shows, the brand has struggled to find a new creative spark after Lagerfeld, who had so seamlessly integrated himself with the house for so long. Indeed, Virginie Viard, trained exclusively at Chanel and serving as Lagerfeld’s right hand until his death, was seen by some as lacking the innovation and creativity that would be needed to push the brand forward. Now, with Blazy stepping in, Chanel has the opportunity to reinvent itself.
Julian Klausner
Finally, Julian Klausner has taken over as creative director at Dries Van Noten following the departure of its eponymous founder. The Belgian fashion house, now part of the Spanish group PUIG, has entrusted its artistic direction to Klausner, who has been a key figure at the brand since 2018. His first men’s collection, set to debut in January, will be presented in the form of a lookbook, marking an exciting new chapter for the house.
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