Fashion insiders are abuzz after John Galliano and Kim Jones mysteriously deleted all their Instagram posts. The buzz intensified with the recent departure of Thibo Denis, Dior’s acclaimed shoe designer, sparking rumors of his potential move to Louis Vuitton. This series of events suggests major changes are imminent.
Miss Tweed, alias Astrid Wendlandt, a trusted source of insider information, recently reported that John Galliano might not renew his contract with Maison Margiela this October. There’s speculation he could return to Dior, the brand from which he was famously dismissed. Such a comeback could revitalize LVMH’s second-largest brand and shift focus away from the recent Italian sweatshop scandal that forced Dior to defend itself against Codacons’ accusations.
Miss Tweed suggests that one of Galliano’s most influential supporters, Anna Wintour, has orchestrated his potential return to Dior. She reportedly persuaded Bernard Arnault and his daughter Delphine, the CEO of Dior and a key figure in designer and creative director selections, while also highlighting Galliano’s work at the last Met Gala. Despite the speculation, LVMH has not confirmed any moves. This news underscores the competitive nature of talent acquisition at the upper echelons of fashion, with major brands vying for top designers. Galliano’s possible return to Dior could attract significant media attention, especially amid declining sales, and could mark a resurgence of the ’90s trend where renowned designers define major brands. This scenario suggests that, contrary to predictions about the decline of star designers, the luxury fashion industry might actually amplify its focus on creative directors to enhance their mystique and elevate their brands. According to Miss Tweed, we can expect numerous announcements about new designer roles in the coming months.
For instance, rumors suggest that Sarah Burton may head to Givenchy, while it remains to be confirmed whether Michael Rider will replace Hedi Slimane at Celine. The future creative director of Chanel is still uncertain, as the Wertheimers, who oversee the brand, appear to be taking their time to make a thoughtful decision. Both Galliano’s potential move to Dior and Burton’s to Givenchy would significantly bolster the Haute Couture divisions of these brands. This enhancement is crucial in the competitive landscape where luxury brands strive to offer unique value propositions. Haute Couture services are essential for maintaining the loyalty of Very Important Clients (VICs), who are not only loyal but also willing to spend increasingly higher amounts.
