In 2024, female creative directors are not just steering the world’s most prestigious fashion houses — they are each crafting a unique narrative and embedding their personal philosophies into the very DNA of these luxury institutions.
Every time a new director takes the reins, their distinct vision subtly, or sometimes radically, shifts the trajectory of the brand, leaving behind an imprint that redefines its aesthetic and approach to luxury. While change remains the only constant in the ever-evolving fashion world, these visionary women ensure that during their tenure, their influence spans beyond trends, inspiring both their contemporaries and the next generation of designers.
Here’s an inside look at the four creative powerhouses currently at the helm of today’s Tier-1 luxury fashion houses.
Sarah Burton, renowned for her tenure at Alexander McQueen, has now taken over as creative director at Givenchy. Appointed in September 2024, Burton’s influence is expected to bring a new, emotional depth to the brand’s legacy. Known for her intricate craftsmanship and the ability to blend romanticism with gothic undertones, Burton’s aesthetic will inject Givenchy with a unique fusion of structure and sentiment. Burton is famed for her mastery of tailoring and her penchant for merging romanticism with a dark, gothic edge, creating emotionally charged, highly intricate designs.
Veronica Leoni took the creative helm at Calvin Klein in 2024, tasked with reviving the brand’s high-fashion line after a five-year hiatus. Leoni’s minimalist aesthetic, honed through her work at Moncler, will give the iconic American label a fresh, refined edge. Her designs are expected to combine sleek modernity with a sensual twist, aptly encapsulating the brand’s essence. Leoni’s minimalist style is defined by her ability to create sleek, sophisticated lines, infused with a modern sensuality, elevating Calvin Klein’s already signature cool.
As Chloé’s new creative director since 2023, Chemena Kamali brings a contemporary take to the brand’s bohemian identity. With her background at Chanel and Saint Laurent, Kamali is infusing Chloé’s collections with a fresh, structured approach while maintaining the brand’s ethereal femininity. Her commitment to sustainability is also set to play a key role in shaping Chloé’s future. Kamali’s designs are a perfect blend of modern structure and wearable femininity, giving Chloé’s bohemian spirit a sustainable and sophisticated edge.
Miuccia Prada continues to dominate fashion with her intellectual and avant-garde approach to design. In 2024, Prada’s collections remain at the cutting edge, blending paradoxical elements that challenge traditional fashion norms. Her ability to intertwine art, politics, and culture within her designs keeps Prada consistently at the forefront of global fashion conversations. Prada is known for her risquè, intellectually driven designs that mix eccentricity with rigorous structure, pushing the boundaries of conventional luxury fashion.
