Weekly Fashion Highlights | Jonathan Anderson Exits Loewe, Donatella Versace Steps Down...

From Loewe to Versace, pivotal moments have unfolded since the inception of these esteemed labels. After an impressive eleven-year tenure at Loewe, Jonathan Anderson has officially relinquished his position as creative director; the collaboration between Anderson and the Spanish fashion house has undoubtedly been mutually beneficial, elevating Loewe to global prominence. His influence spans from handbags to couture, and from collaborations to artistic endeavors, establishing him as a formidable creative force.

Similarly, Donatella Versace, who has long been the guiding force behind Versace, has also recently stepped down from her role as the brand's creative leader. Over the past few decades, she has become a cultural icon synonymous with Versace, navigating the brand through numerous challenges since the passing of her brother, Gianni. Her tenure has been marked by the creation of countless landmark moments for the label. With the appointment of Dario Vitale as the new creative director, Versace is poised to embark on a whole new chapter.

Jonathan Anderson Exits Loewe

Jonathan Anderson has officially departed from Loewe after an impressive eleven-year tenure. His collaboration with the brand has been mutually advantageous. Since his arrival in 2013, a pivotal moment when Loewe sought to redefine its identity. Anderson not only reimagined the brand but also fundamentally transformed it. His visionary design philosophy seamlessly integrated traditional craftsmanship with avant-garde innovation, establishing Loewe as a vibrant hub of creativity. Under his stewardship, Loewe emerged as a nexus for the convergence of avant-garde silhouettes, surrealist aesthetics, and bold artistic expression, elevating the Spanish luxury fashion house to global acclaim.

Throughout his tenure, he introduced a plethora of iconic creations, including the puzzle bag, pixelated coats, balloon high heels, and leather dresses sculpted like armor, all of which transcended conventional wardrobe boundaries and bridged the realms of fashion and art. Furthermore, Anderson's impressive portfolio includes numerous cross-disciplinary collaborations, ranging from Studio Ghibli to On Running sneakers and Suna Fujita, where he adeptly fused diverse cultural narratives and artistic styles with Loewe's artisanal heritage through his innovative lens.

As of now, Loewe has yet to announce a successor for its creative director position. Recently, whispers at Paris Fashion Week suggested that Anderson may be transitioning to Dior, where he is reportedly commencing work on the SS26 men's collection. Speculation regarding Loewe's next creative leader has centered on Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, the designers who recently stepped down from Proenza Schouler.

Versace's New Era: Dario Vitale Assumes Leadership as Donatella Departs

Versace, alongside its parent company Capri, has recently unveiled the appointment of Dario Vitale as the new creative director of the iconic fashion house. This pivotal announcement signifies a historic shift for Versace, as Vitale's inaugural collection will be the first in the brand's 47-year legacy to be created without the creative oversight of Gianni or Donatella Versace. In this transition, Donatella will retain her influential role as the brand's spokesperson, now elevated to the position of chief brand ambassador.

Vitale has emerged as one of the most groundbreaking talents within Milan's fashion scene. A graduate of Istituto Marangoni in 2006, he honed his skills at Dsquared2 for a year before making significant contributions at Bottega Veneta under the guidance of Tomas Maier. His journey continued at Miu Miu, where he ascended to the role of design director for ready-to-wear and head of image, departing the brand earlier this year.

Donatella has been a steadfast presence alongside her brother since the inception of Studio Versace in 1989, bravely taking the helm of the fashion house during a period of profound loss following Gianni's tragic murder in July 1997. It was not until the 2010s that Versace began its resurgence, with Donatella evolving into a cultural icon, steering the brand away from fur and cultivating an image of a glamorous, ethereal fashion figure with a playful aesthetic.

Currently, speculation surrounds Capri Holdings as it appears poised to divest Versace, following the unsuccessful merger attempt with Tapestry last year. Reports indicate that both Versace and Jimmy Choo are on the market, with potential interest from the Prada Group. While the future of Versace remains uncertain, the appointment of a new creative director signifies a definitive departure from its storied past. The fashion community eagerly anticipates how this new chapter will unfold.

Maison Margiela & Christian Louboutin Unveil Collaboration

The fashion world is buzzing once again! Maison Margiela and Christian Louboutin have joined forces to launch their inaugural collaborative footwear collection, generating widespread attention. The collection comprises two sub-series, totaling seven shoe styles, each showcasing the distinctive Tabi toe-split design of Maison Margiela and the elegant shoe silhouettes of Christian Louboutin.

The Maison Margiela by Christian Louboutin series reinterprets the Tabi toe-split shoe with a feminine curve aesthetic, while the Christian Louboutin by Maison Margiela series reimagines classic shoe styles through deconstructive techniques. The footwear designs are unique and crafted with exquisite workmanship, featuring classic colorways such as black and platinum, as well as glamorous styles adorned with crystals. The new collection is now available at select boutiques worldwide and on the brands' official websites. Fashion enthusiasts are invited to explore and experience the unique charm of this collaboration between two iconic brands!

Supreme x Nike Spring 2025 Collaboration

Supreme and Nike are set to unveil an exclusive collection for Spring 2025, with the highlight being a reimagined version of the iconic Air Max 1. This sneaker showcases a premium leather upper paired with a durable rubber outsole, a cushioned foam midsole featuring a visible air unit in the heel, a refined leather tongue, and a plush brushed knit lining. It will be offered in four distinct colorways.

The collaboration extends beyond footwear, encompassing a range of apparel and accessories, prominently featuring two leather varsity jackets. Available in classic black and white, these jackets are crafted from high-quality cowhide leather and exhibit a sleek linear design adorned with co-branded insignias on the sleeves and back. Complementing this are track jackets in vibrant purple, yellow, and black, which share similar design elements and are launched alongside coordinating track pants, both constructed from water-resistant polyester and breathable mesh panels. Striped rugby cotton shirts proudly display Nike branding on both the chest and back. Completing the collection are stylish running caps and sophisticated leather shoulder bags, made from the same water-resistant materials as the track jackets, alongside luxurious cowhide leather.

Sean McGirr's Third Collection for Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen has recently unveiled its FW25 collection, characterized by an infusion of dandyism and the audacious gothic styles that accompany it. This marks the third collection under the creative direction of Sean McGirr, who has further articulated his interpretation of the British Victorian rock aesthetic while expanding the brand's evolving lexicon. The pervasive use of silk, lace, and intricate floral embroidery throughout the collection pays homage to the sentiments of the Elizabethan era.

In terms of tailoring, the collection features exaggerated shoulders, tapered waists, and belts, all of which embody classical aesthetics. Additionally, McGirr has introduced a more vibrant palette, showcasing blood red, magenta, and lavender dresses adorned with cascading ruffles and voluminous feathered shoulders. This season also saw a collaboration with Freddy Coomes and Matt Empringham, recent graduates from Central Saint Martins College, resulting in the creation of crystal-embroidered masks. Compared to the previous two collections, McGirr has established a more defined aesthetic tone in this series; however, the challenge of crafting a clearer brand identity for McQueen remains an ongoing endeavor.

Editor: Clarance Wang, Juham Lin, Yu Yuan.