Last season might be thought of as fashion’s great reset, but don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security. Though the musical chairs of Spring/Summer 2026 have finally settled into place, the latter half of 2026 has come with its own slew of departures and arrivals across fashion’s major houses.
There have been a number of notable moves across the industry in recent months. Francesco Risso, formerly at Marni, launched his debut collection for mass retailer GU in July. Elsewhere, former Alaïa creative director Pieter Mulier showed his final collection for the house in March, eventually stepping into a new role at Versace in July. We got our first look at his vision for the brand thanks to Nicole Kidman, who hit the Practical Magic 2 red carpet in a lacy black Mulier creation.
More recently, Dario Vitale finally alighted at Emporio Armani following a shockingly short stint at Versace. The Italian creative will be responsible for both Emporio Armani designs and Giorgio Armani accessories, becoming the first outside the Armani family to hold the role. “I am honoured to take on this dual role, and deeply grateful to Silvana and Leo for welcoming me into their world,” said Vitale.
The latest major move, however, comes with little surprise. In a statement released on 9 October, the Kering group announced the departure of Anthony Vaccarello from Saint Laurent—a development which the industry had been anticipating for weeks.
Ahead, we round up the headlines about fashion’s major moves in 2026, from creative director exits to appointments.
Anthony Vaccarello Exits Saint Laurent
On 9 September, the Kering group confirmed what the industry had been whispering about for weeks. After spending a decade as the creative director of Saint Laurent, Anthony Vaccarello is officially exiting the brand.
Speculation surrounding Vaccarello’s exit was rife leading up to his Spring/Summer 2027 show at Paris Fashion Week. It resulted in a surprisingly poignant final showing for the designer, illuminated by the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower and a massive chandelier suspended over the runway. The collection was a glittering exploration of Saint Laurent codes, where safari jackets and tailored tuxedos were shown in shades of gold and bronze—and as if to end on a curtain call, the finale featured ten straight looks in all black.
The designer had taken on the role of Saint Laurent creative director in 2016 from his predecessor Hedi Slimane, and immediately set about making his mark on the maison. In 2023, Vaccarello spearheaded the launch of Saint Laurent Productions, making them the first luxury brand to own a full-fledged film production studio (which counted the film Emilia Pérez among its most notable projects). Vaccarello’s era at Saint Laurent was also marked by a consistency of vision, often seen in repetition and interrogation of similar silhouettes. Last season’s womenswear collection even featured seven versions of the classic Le Smoking tuxedo, before showing multiple iterations of a lacy silicone evening dress. The designer also distinguished himself by consistently exploring sex appeal and sensuality in an era where many turned towards provocation. Vaccarello’s successor is yet to be announced.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Anthony for his contribution to Saint Laurent over the past ten years,” said Kering CEO Luca de Meo in a statement. “Through his creative vision and exacting standards, he has contributed to strengthening the enduring influence of one of France’s greatest couture Houses, as we embark on a new chapter in its history.”
This article originally appeared on Grazia Singapore.
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