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Story HANG NGA
Photos INTERNET
Dramatic personnel changes and dynamic new trends from the past year will continue shaping the fashion landscape in 2025.
The endless cycle
The year 2024 witnessed an unprecedented mass migration in the realm of high fashion, as a wave of creative directors (CDs) left their positions en masse, making way for new faces. It can be said that the fashion world has “gone big,” with changes occurring at a breathtaking pace in a dramatic and surprising cycle. In just a few short days, the fashion scene saw John Galliano part ways with Maison Margiela after a decade, Louise Trotter leave Carven to join Bottega Veneta, and Matthieu Blazy sever ties with Bottega to join CHANEL, heralding a new chapter for the prestigious house.
So what has spurred this wave of sweeping change? Behind these bold decisions lies the constant adaptation of brands in a volatile market. Fashion houses are compelled to seek out fresh winds, innovative visions to maintain their status and attract customers. Profit remains the top priority, and changing creative directors is viewed as one of the key strategies to achieve this goal. A notable example is Matthieu Blazy, who, during his tenure at Bottega Veneta, led the brand to become the only profitable label within the entire LVMH portfolio.
Prominent names in this year’s game of musical chairs include Alessandro Michele replacing Pierpaolo Piccioli at Valentino; Sarah Burton landing at Givenchy after leaving Alexander McQueen; Haider Ackermann taking over Tom Ford; and Hedi Slimane leaving Celine, making way for Michael Rider. Kim Jones decided to focus on Dior Men’s, setting the stage for speculation about his successor at Fendi. Additionally, Peter Do recently announced he would leave Helmut Lang in 2025 after less than two years, as the changes from this Vietnamese- American designer seemed incompatible with Helmut Lang’s needs for mass production and increased sales.
These changes are not merely personnel shifts; they also represent a profound transformation of aesthetic values and an intersection between heritage and modernity.
Each creative director brings their own vision and distinctive style, contributing to shaping the future landscape of fashion.
Fashion’s metamorphosis and surprising trends for 2025
We are witnessing the rise of seemingly opposite trends, creating a multifaceted and dynamic fashion landscape. It begins with the ripple effect from the Olympic spirit – effort, teamwork and the desire to conquer – that has permeated the fashion world. This trend is not limited to specialized sportswear, but extends to streetwear and even eveningwear. Designs that are practical and energetic, featuring strong cuts, stretchy materials and bright colors, reflects an increasingly active lifestyle influencing fashion trends.
The echoes of the Olympic spirit have paved the way for casual wear to ascend as a powerful global symbol of freedom and individuality. Comfort and openness are emphasized through loose-fitting designs, soft materials and spontaneous styling, mirroring modern society’s quest for self-expression.
Conventional rules are gradually being dismantled, making way for bold layering and mix-and-match outfits that showcase unique personalities. In 2025, we will also witness the explosion of the “messy” style, particularly the “BRAT summer” variant. BRAT summer is characterized not only by loose, comfortable clothing but also by a rebellious approach to styling, such as pairing crop tops with low-rise baggy pants or delicate slip dresses with chunky sneakers. This Y2K-inspired aesthetic celebrates confidence and individuality, reflecting a younger generation that refuses to be constrained by traditional rules while seeking freedom and comfort in their attire.
Finally, the return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show after nearly six years was seismic in its impact. This event is not just a fashion show; it is a cultural phenomenon. Although the brand has made efforts to showcase diversity in body types, ethnicities and genders, the show still faced mixed reactions, highlighting the tension between old and new values within the fashion industry. Nevertheless, fashion enthusiasts remain optimistic about the resurgence of this type of fashion presentation in the coming year.
