THEThe fashion system warms up its engines. As predicted, the 2025 it has proven to be a year of change for the industry, particularly on the creative directions. Emerging designers and long-standing stylists have in fact taken the reins of prestigious fashion houses, inaugurating a path of renewal. The 2026in any case, promises to be no less transformative. From the first Gucci fashion show by Demna to the new Fendi second Maria Grazia Chiurithe next twelve months promise to be just as rich debuts and first times.
From Marni to Hermèsfrom Balmain to Christian Louboutinthe appointments that have animated the debate in recent months are now preparing to become reality. From Paris to Milanspotlight on Fashion Week imminent, never so expected.
Gucci Demna fashion show, the beginning of a new era
Although far from an actual catwalk, it certainly can’t be said that the Georgian designer hasn’t started remodeling the maison according to his vision. To date, in fact, Demna has gradually raised the curtain on the new Gucci through lookbooks, advertising campaigns and film shorts, up to the chat premiere with a red carpet staged during the last Milan Fashion Week. At the next Milan fashion week, scheduled for Februaryinstead, all attention will be directed towards the first real Gucci fashion show signed by Demna. An event that promises to be highly anticipated, against the grain and full of stars, in full Demna style.
An image from the new Gucci campaign: The Family (Photo: Courtesy of Press Office)
Fendi, Hermès, Marni: the moment of women
With rare exceptions, the new creative directions of 2025 have largely been prerogative male. After Louise Trotter from Bottega Venetathen, in 2026 I am Three the maisons ready to welcome stylists very talented. The future of Fendifor example, is entrusted to the expert hands of Maria Grazia Chiuriveteran of almost a decade at the helm of Christian Dior. The Roman designer, appointed last October Chief Creative Officer of the fashion house part of the LVMH group, will present his first collectionAutumn-Winter 2026/26, at MFW in February.
Maria Grazia Chiuri greets the audience after her last show for Dior, staged in the gardens of Villa Albani Torlonia in Rome, in May 2025 (Photo by Federico Lomartire/WWD via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, there is less and less time left for the long-awaited catwalk debut of Meryll Rogge For Marni. The new creative director, called to replace Francesco Risso, boasts a past in the style offices of Dries van Noten and Marc Jacobs, but it is thanks to her eponymous brand that she won the prestigious Andam Grand Prize in 2025. Much appreciated by professionals, the Belgian designer is known for her hybrid and fluid, fresh and contemporary aesthetic.
We will have to wait until January 2027instead, to admire the first collection menswear Of Hermès designed by Grace Wales Bonner. The arrival of the British designer born in 1990 at the helm of the prestigious French fashion house marks an important change of pace for the brand, directed for the last 37 years by Véronique Nichanian.
A portrait of Meryll Rogge, new creative director of Marni (Photo by Gretar Gunnlaugsso / Courtesy of Press Office)
We will have to wait until January 2027instead, to admire the first collection menswear Of Hermès designed by Grace Wales Bonner. The arrival of the British designer born in 1990 at the helm of the prestigious French fashion house marks an important change of pace for the brand, directed for the last 37 years by Véronique Nichanian.
Air of novelty from Balmain and Louboutin
After fourteen years under the leadership of Olivier Rousteing, Balmain is preparing to change. During the next Paris Fashion Week in March 2026, the era of will begin Antonin Tron. Parisian, born in 1984, already founder of the brand Atlein and with different experiences at Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent, the new creative director boasts an approach and aesthetic vision similar to those of the founder Pierre Balmain.
Furthermore, the debut of is expected in the French capital Jaden Smithson of actor Will, as creative director of the male line of Louboutin. Thus opens an unprecedented chapter for the famous fashion house.
The fashion industry is betting, once again, on change.