How creative heads of leading fashion labels are carrying the legacy of the brand forward

Leading fashion labels are only as good as their creative directors who are the driving force behind them and give the them a voice and vision. Bazaar India shines the spotlight on five newly-appointed creative directors who are stepping into new territory, but have the fire within them to raise the standards that their label has been known for. 

SEÁN McGIRR

Seán McGirr, the latest creative director of Alexander McQueen, marks a new era at the design house as he is the first creative director to not have worked under the brand’s founder Lee McQueen. He takes over the role from Sarah Burton who has made an indelible mark on the brand for 13 years. Before becoming a designer, he worked as a stylist in Tokyo and Japan. He recently worked at JW Anderson where he monitored ready-to-wear. Seán has also held stints at Dries van Noten, Burberry, and Uniqlo. His appointment signifies a continuation of McQueens’s commitment to artistic excellence and we eagerly anticipate his contribution!

CHEMENA KAMALI

Founded by the French designer Gaby Aghion in 1952, Chloé announces a new chapter under the creative direction of Chemena Kamali succeeding Gabriela Hearst who worked there for three years. Having worked at Saint Laurent as a women’s design director, Chemena worked with Chloé, early on in her career. As she takes the helm, expectations are high for her to weave a contemporary narrative into the brand’s storied heritage.

WALTER CHIAPPONI

Blumarine, the iconic Italian fashion house, has welcomed Walter Chiapponi as its new creative director infusing the brand with his visionary touch. The Milanese designer brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as creative director at Tod’s, where he showcased a distinctive blend of modernity and classic craftsmanship. As Blumarine’s creative head, Chiapponi is poised to steer the brand towards new heights of elegance and innovation, capturing the essence of contemporary luxury.

SABATO DE SARNO

Gucci has announced Sabato de Sarno as its creative director replacing Alessandro Michele. Sabato, born in Naples in 1984 started his well-established career with Prada in 2005, quickly moving to Dolce&Gabbana taking on as a head designer of the knitwear and jersey department. It was in Valentino where he became the right-hand of Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli showcasing a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. As Sabato navigates Gucci’s helm, expectations soar for him to sculpt a new narrative.

PETER HAWKINGS

Having worked behind the scene with Tom Ford for 25 years, Peter Hawkings has assumed the role of creative director at Tom Ford. His appointment marks a significant transition for the brand as he follows in the footsteps of the eponymous founder who is known for his bold and contemporary designs. Their partnership began in 1998 when Peter first met Tom after finishing his masters at Central Saint Martins, London. His responsibilities include overseeing women’s wear and accessory categories.