FASHIONSNAP’s Selection of Major 2025 News: Luxury Brands Edition

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Editor’s Note

As 2025 concludes, we reflect on a year of significant creative and business developments in fashion. From our extensive coverage, here are the most impactful stories that defined the year for luxury brands.

FASHIONSNAP’s Selection of Major 2025 News: Luxury Brands Edition

With 2025 drawing to a close, the fashion world has seen a succession of newsworthy events this year, both in terms of creativity and business. From the vast amount of information FASHIONSNAP has covered and reported throughout the year, we have selected the most noteworthy news. Let’s look back at the events that defined 2025, categorized by theme. [Luxury Brands Edition]

Diverging Fortunes for Luxury Conglomerates
“2025 was a year where structural changes in the luxury market became clear amidst a continued tough economic environment. Within this, the unwavering solid performance of ‘Hermès,’ which rivals the LVMH group in presence, and the remarkable advancement of ‘Miu Miu,’ which strongly drives the Prada Group’s results, stood out. The industry’s oligopolization accelerated further, with strategic portfolio strengthening by existing conglomerates and large-scale M&A activities driving transformation in the market structure.”

Prada Group
April 10: Prada Group acquires “Versace” for approximately 199.3 billion yen.
July 8: Aiming for a third pillar after “Prada” and “Miu Miu” – The potential of the Italian conglomerate post-Versace acquisition.
July 31: Miu Miu’s momentum unabated – Prada Group sees revenue growth despite headwinds in the luxury market.
December 5: “Versace’s” Dario Vitale steps down as Chief Creative Officer after just one season.

Hermès
April 16: Hermès becomes the world’s largest luxury brand, surpassing LVMH’s market capitalization.

Kering
June 17: Kering separates CEO and Chairman roles; Luca de Meo from French automaker Renault set to become new CEO.
July 30: Kering’s H1 2025 results, core brand Gucci continues to struggle while beauty division (including Creed) performs well.
September 18: “Gucci,” in urgent need of a turnaround, changes top leadership after just 9 months; Francesca Bellettini from parent company Kering appointed President and CEO.
October 20: Kering and L’Oréal form strategic partnership, including a 50-year license for “Gucci.”
December 19: Kering strengthens jewelry business, to acquire major manufacturer Raselli Franco group.

A Large-Scale Designer Shuffle for the Fashion History Books
“2025 was a turbulent year with an unprecedented number of creative director changes in fashion history. The industry saw a large-scale shuffle, with renowned designers moving in a chain reaction across multiple major brands. This symbolizes a strategic shift aimed at revitalizing brands and acquiring new customer segments like Gen Z. Whether these bold reforms will lead to a genuine turnaround remains to be seen. Their outcome will be a key point of interest from 2026 onwards.”

List of Resignation and Appointment News
The debut of the new “Lanvin” – The “ultimate chic” proposed by Peter Copping.
Glenn Martens appointed new Creative Director of Maison Margiela.
Kim Jones leaves “Dior” after 7 years leading menswear.
Gucci’s Creative Director Sabato De Sarno steps down after just 4 seasons.
Jil Sander’s creative directors, Lucie and Luke Meier, step down.
Former Burberry designer Simone Bellotti appointed new Creative Director of Jil Sander.
Demna appointed Artistic Director of Gucci.
Donatella steps down as Versace CD; successor is former “Miu Miu” director.
Jonathan Anderson steps down as Creative Director of “Loewe.”
Loewe hires Proenza Schouler’s founding designer duo as new Creative Directors.
Mugler appoints Miguel Castro Freitas as new Creative Director.
Jonathan Anderson appointed new Men’s Artistic Director of “Dior,” succeeding Kim Jones.
Balenciaga appoints Pierpaolo Piccioli as new Creative Director.
Maria Grazia Chiuri steps down as Artistic Director of Dior.
Marni’s Creative Director, Francesco Risso, steps down.
Celine, the dawn of a new chapter – Michael Rider’s debut collection inheriting the past.
Marni appoints Merryl Rogge as new Creative Director.
Michelle Lee appointed new designer for “3.1 Phillip Lim,” to debut first collection during NYFW.
Oscar de la Renta’s co-creative directors Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim step down.
Silvia Venturini Fendi steps down as Creative Director of “Fendi.”
Intrecciato connecting past and future – A new dialogue between “Bottega Veneta” and Louise Trotter.
The new pulse of Gaultier, ready-to-wear revived after 10 years by Durán Lantink.
A new chapter for “Chanel” by Matthieu Blazy – A dialogue of “love and freedom” – 2026 Spring/Summer Ready-to-Wear Collection.
Maria Grazia Chiuri becomes Chief Creative Officer of “Fendi.”
Véronique Nichanian steps down as Artistic Director of “Hermès” after 37 years in design.
Grace Wales Bonner appointed head of Hermès menswear.
Olivier Rousteing leaves “Balmain,” announces stepping down as Creative Director.
“Versace’s” Dario Vitale steps down as Chief Creative Officer after just one season.
September 17: 10 topics you should know about the 2026 Spring/Summer Womenswear season.

Jewelry Brands Open Large Flagship Stores One After Another in Ginza

Tiffany & Co.
July 19: The museum-like “Tiffany Ginza” – What are the highlights of Asia’s largest flagship store?

Cartier
September 25: “Cartier Ginza 4-chome Boutique” grand opening – Asia’s largest flagship store embodying the spirit of the “Panthère.”

Harry Winston
August 25: “Harry Winston Ginza Store” relocates to Japan’s largest salon; also features LINE-exclusive content.

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⏰ Published on: December 30, 2025