The big changes in the fashion industry – Which creative directors changed seats in 2018? Which brands were struggling to keep their heads above the water? Read everything about the big changes in the fashion industry that shaped 2018.
2018: big changes in the fashion industry
Many things have happened, over the past year. We started with the shocking news of Phoebe Philo leaving Céline, went forth with the news that Hedi Slimane would take her place and ended with a divorce of Calvin Klein and Raf Simons. But there was more. We’ve listed the big changes in the fashion industry during the past year below.
January – Hedi Slimane starts at Céline, Kim Jones leaves Louis Vuitton
At the 21st of January Céline (with an é!) announced that Hedi Slimane would become the new artistic, creative and image director of the fashion house. He will launch a menswear line as well. With the announcement the fashion incrowd reacts divided. There are some pro- and contra movements. This intensifies during and after his first show, in September – read more about his debut below.
Another remarkable happening is Kim Jones leaving Louis Vuitton. People are whispering of his possible start at Burberry.
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February – Gucci’s spectacular show during Milan Fashion Week
We can say without doubt that Gucci can claim the most remarkable fashion moment of the year. Allessandro Michele has spiced up the fashion house since his appointment as creative director, but made history with his show during Milan Fashion Week. Models were walking down the runway carrying their own heads, baby dragons while having a third eye. It was both creepy and fascinating and after all, the most remarkable fashion moment of 2018.
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March – Riccardo Tisci starts at Burberry, Virgil Abloh starts at Louis Vuitton, Kim Jones starts at Dior Homme
Despite that Gucci and Céline may have claimed the fashion spotlights, Riccardo Tisco had moved to Burberry. After 12 years at Givenchy, it’s time for a new move. During London Fashion Week in September he blows everyone’s minds, but still remains a bit overshadowed by Hedi Slimane.
Louis Vuitton hasn’t sit still since the announcement of Kim Jones. None other than Virgil Abloh is appointed as the new creative director for the menswear department of the brand. He starts with a colorful collection, which brings his friend Kanye West to tears.
May – Felipe Oliveira Baptiste leaves Lacoste, Meghan Markle wears Givenchy and Stella McCartney
After eight years, Felipe Oliveira Baptiste departs at Lacoste. Later Louise Trotter will become the first female creative director of the brand ever. Hurray!
May has also been a special month due to the royal wedding. Soon after Meghan Markle steps out of the Rolls Royce, it becomes clear that Clare Waight Keller (Givenchy) has designed the dress. Later that day, Markle changed her outfit to a spectacular dress of Stella McCartney.
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July – Burberry burns luxury goods, worth over 31 million euros
July hasn’t been a good month for luxury house Burberry. It became clear that the brand burned many products in fiscal year 2017/2018. However, they aren’t the only ones. H&M and Amazon are guilty as well.
August – Rushemy Botter and Lisi Herreburg become the new artistic duo at Nina Ricci
The Belgian duo, known for their brand Botter, is now in charge of Nina Ricci. They are hired to make the brand more modern and edgy.
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September – First show of Hedi Slimane for Celine, Michael Kors buys Versace, first show of Riccardo Tisci for Burberry
September has been a turbulent month, filled with remarkale fashion news. The big changes in the fashion industry happened in September.
Hedi Slimane showed his first collection for Celine, which had a dividing effect on the fashion in-crowd. People criticize the designer for not being original, using too skinny and solely white models, copying the style with which he’s put Saint Laurent back on track, being tacky, and so on. The Instagram account @oldcéline is at its peak level and Celine’s customer care center is busier than ever with selling Phoebe Philo’s last pieces.
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Despite that Slimane got almost all attention with his show, there were more important events during this month. Michael Kors announced to take over Versace. Nothing would change at the brand, though. Furthermore, Riccardo Tisci showed his first collection for Burberry and redesigned the monogram. Tisci is the first to design evening gowns for the brand, and takes it to a higher level.
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October – Serge Riffieux leaves Carven
Icicle Fashion Group saves the fashion house Carven from death. However, creative director Serge Riffieux decides to leave the brand.
November – Stella McCartney launched bridal collection
It has been a successful year for designer Stella McCartney. Not only did she buy back her namesake label from Kering Group, she also launched a bridal collection after the huge success of her royal dress adventure.
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December – Raf Simons leaves Calvin Klein
Last but not least: at December 23, Calvin Klein announces that Raf Simons will depart Calvin Klein. There wear already rumors about the brand and the creative director not getting along well. What will this talented designer do next? Read our entire article about Raf Simons’ career so far here.
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We’re excited about what 2019 has to offer! We will soon provide a sneak peek, so stay tuned…
Got inspired by the big changes in the fashion industry? We bet you’ll like our other editor’s pick and fashion articles as well. Go check them out!
