Luxury’s Creative Directors Are in Retrograde
The Cut • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Veronica Leoni and Seán McGirr have been announced as departing creative directors of Calvin Klein Collection and Alexander McQueen, respectively, signaling another wave of changes in the fashion industry.
- Leoni, Calvin Klein Collection’s first female creative director, joined in May 2024 with the goal of reviving the brand’s runway presence but received mixed reviews, with critics citing a lack of clear vision despite improved buzz in her later collections.
- McGirr, who took over McQueen in 2023 after Sarah Burton, faced challenges living up to his predecessor’s legacy, though he gained celebrity favor and showed some creative progress in his recent collections.
- Kering CEO Luca de Meo emphasized the company’s intent to redefine McQueen’s creative direction, focusing on innovation and cultural relevance while honoring the brand’s heritage.
- Both departures highlight ongoing instability in high-profile fashion houses as they seek new leadership to steer their creative futures.
