The brightest creative directors of the best fashion houses of 2023

Although fashion is a multi-billion dollar industry, the idea that celebrities and models are the real stars of this dazzling world is a myth. In fact, the real glamazons are the magicians responsible for the magic we see on the catwalks, in other words, creative directors. These style wizards are the architects of our fashion dreams, creating the mesmerizing charm that fashion houses possess.

Think of their appointments as seismic events that send ripples through the very fabric of the fashion universe. They are revolutionaries, trendsetters, custodians of a brand’s aesthetics and heritage and, above all, attention grabbers, adored by the press and the rich and famous.

These visionaries not only advise designers on overarching concepts, but also serve as guiding lights on a brand’s aesthetic journey. They create every detail of the brand’s image, ensuring that each collection is in tune with the spirit of the times and moves the industry forward.

Their appointments become even more important when we consider the fact that we currently live in an ever-evolving fashion era, a time when legacy brands are rethinking their design aesthetics and bringing in new creative directors. This brings us to…

Introducing the best creative directors of top fashion houses in 2023

From Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams to Gucci’s Sabato De Sarno, these names are not only synonymous with style and innovation, but they also bring an extra edge (and a ton of magic) to the runway. They are young, famous and incredibly talented. So, get ready to be captivated by the enchanting world they create—a world where fashion truly knows no boundaries.

1. Sean McGirr for Alexander McQueen: Irish Dynamo

Irish-born designer Sean McGirr, who has just been appointed as the new creative director of Alexander McQueen, is the latest buzzword in the fashion industry. His appointment to this coveted role follows the departure of the esteemed Sarah Burton, who gracefully left the label after an astounding 26-year reign.

Amid rampant speculation surrounding Kering’s choice for this key role, the torch has firmly passed to the exceptionally talented Sean McGirr. While his name may not immediately be heard in the fashion world, his portfolio speaks volumes of his experience and credentials for this prestigious position.

Sean’s early years in the fashion world were marked by working as a stylist in the vibrant fashion centers of Tokyo and Paris. Before taking over at Alexander McQueen, McGirr masterfully oversaw ready-to-wear production at JW Anderson.

In addition to his remarkable tenure at JW Anderson, McGirr’s design prowess has left an indelible mark on other fashion houses including Dries Van Noten, Burberry and Uniqlo. As the new captain of Alexander McQueen, Sean McGirr promises to take the brand in an exciting and innovative direction.

2. Sabato De Sarno for Gucci: an outstanding trendsetter

The sudden departure of Alessandro Michele, the visionary behind Gucci’s remarkable revival, sent shockwaves through the fashion universe two months ago. Reports said Michele’s departure was due to a reluctance to embrace the aggressive rapid growth strategy demanded by the board. In his place, Gucci welcomed a new prospect in the form of Sabato De Sarno.

De Sarno’s arrival at Gucci brought with it an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Unlike his predecessor, De Sarno is a relative newcomer to the brand and is therefore ready to inject new energy into it.

De Sarno was born in Naples, Italy. His fashion career includes stints at Prada and Dolce & Gabbana before joining Valentino in 2009. Yes, for the last 13 years, before taking over as creative director at Gucci, De Sarno worked as the driving force behind Valentino’s design studio, overseeing and helping transform the brand from a symbol of old-school elegance to a global trendsetter, one that commands attention on social media and sets global fashion trends.

His creative genius also extended to creating last year’s loudest wedding dress, which Nicola Peltz wore to her wedding to Brooklyn Beckham.

De Sarno presented his highly anticipated debut collection for Gucci at Milan Fashion Week this September, marking the beginning of an exciting era for the renowned Italian luxury fashion house.

3. Olivier Rousteing for Balmain: “Wonder Boy”

Olivier Rousteing is the Balmain prodigy who has celebrated an impressive 12 years at the helm since his appointment at the age of 24. Rousteing’s imprint on the brand is unparalleled as he has created a signature style that is instantly recognizable. He began his career at Roberto Cavalli and then joined Balmain as creative director. Under his leadership, the brand became the first French label to reach a staggering million followers on Instagram back in 2015, setting the digital world on fire.

Olivier also spearheaded the brand’s collaboration with Kylie Cosmetics, proving his influence extends far beyond the runway. Drawing inspiration from the French fashion house’s rich archives and traditional atelier techniques, Olivier brings a modern, music-infused look that echoes Balmain’s young army. Each season, its runways showcase not only fashion, but also the vibrant, inclusive culture that defines Balmain today.

His personal journey is chronicled in a compelling Netflix documentary. Wonder boy offering a closer look at his life as a fashion maestro.

4. Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton: Maestro of music and fashion

Meet the man who orchestrates the Louis Vuitton-style symphony: Pharrell Williams.

Following the tragic death of Virgil Abloh, Farrell stepped into the role of creative director, marking a historic moment by becoming the second black American designer to lead a French luxury house. But Pharrell’s influence goes far beyond being one of the best creative directors in the industry today: he’s also a music sensation and a visionary entrepreneur. With 13 Grammy Awards to his name, including an Academy Award nomination for “Happy,” Pharrell’s influence spans both the music and fashion industries. A fashion week regular, he also co-owns streetwear brands like Billionaire Boys Club and oversees the skincare line Humanrace.

Pharrell’s creative path spans collaborations with renowned brands such as Chanel and Tiffany, demonstrating his versatile genius. His appointment at Louis Vuitton promises an exciting new era for the iconic brand, one that will combine luxury with a streetwear sensibility.

5. Harris Reed for Nina Ricci: Gender Seer

At the age of just 26, Harris Reid etched his name into fashion history by becoming the youngest creative director of luxury fashion house Nina Ricci. With a humble presence that exudes confidence beyond his years and flowing blond hair framing his gaze, Harris Reed is a force to be reckoned with.

His creations celebrate gender fluidity and inclusivity, putting the wearer front and center. Growing up with a strong sense of self, he quickly realized the transformative power of clothing in shaping personality and liberation. While still a student at Central Saint Martins, Harris attracted the attention of icons such as Harry Styles, Solange, Alessandro Michele and Ezra Miller. His demi-couture creations attracted press attention and interviews, and after graduation he continued to dress VIPs in his daring designs. Harris’s design process draws inspiration from current social and political issues, with an emphasis on fashion’s responsibility to spark conversations about today’s injustices.

His designs have graced the likes of Iman, Emma Watson, Harry Styles and Lil Nas X. For Harris, fashion is a revolution, a powerful tool for creating an expressive and accepting world. In addition to clothing, Harris has expanded into home fragrances, gender-specific makeup with MAC Cosmetics and a jewelry collection with Missoma.

6. Simon Porte Jacquemus for Jacquemus: French nonconformist

At 33 years old, Simon Porte Jacquemus is one of the most revered and renowned creative directors in the fashion world of 2023.

He burst onto the fashion scene when he was just 20 years old with his eponymous label Jacquemus. Known for his ability to deconstruct fashion norms, Simon has reimagined iconic French elements with a twist that blurs the lines between commercial and conceptual fashion. His collections are a delightful mix of whimsy, surrealism and bold NSFW.

The name of his fashion brand also pays tribute to his mother, whom he tragically lost in 2008. Simon’s collections exude a childlike spirit and freedom, characterized by asymmetrical designs, oversized silhouettes, experimental makeup and unconventional runway shows. His creative genius extends beyond clothing to include footwear and accessories. He’s also a master of social media, creating an Instagram presence that’s as playful as his projects. Simon even published a photo album. La Grande Mottein tandem with one of his collections.

To sum it up, for those looking for fashion that breaks boundaries and challenges the status quo, Simon Porte Jacquemus is your choice.

7. Fernando J. Garcia for Oscar de la Renta: Architect of Elegance

Fernando García’s journey is nothing less than a fascinating narrative that interweaves his early explorations of the picturesque landscapes of the Dominican Republic and northern Spain with his unwavering passion for creativity.

His penchant for doodling on napkins eventually led him on a transformative path that seamlessly merged art, architecture and the world of fashion. After completing his studies in architecture at the esteemed University of Notre Dame, Garcia embarked on a life-changing journey to New York City. There he completed an internship at the iconic fashion house Oscar de la Renta. Over the course of six remarkable years, he rose to the prestigious position of Chief Designer, carefully honing his design and craftsmanship skills.

Notably, his creative prowess was instrumental in creating some of Oscar de la Renta’s most iconic evening gowns. It was during this stint that Garcia crossed paths with Laura Kim, and their collaboration led to the creation of another fashion brand, Monse. Currently, Fernando Garcia also holds the honorary position of creative director of Oscar de la Renta, along with Laura Kim. Their combined talents continue to leave an indelible mark on the fashion industry.

8. Daniel Lee for Burberry: English innovator

In 2022, Burberry announced Daniel Lee as its new creative director, ushering in a new era of style and innovation. Daniel, a 37-year-old English fashion designer, brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the iconic British brand. Before joining Burberry, he served as creative director at Italian luxury fashion house Bottega Veneta from 2018 to 2021 and is credited with leading the brand’s remarkable revival. He was previously director of ready-to-wear design at Celine and has also worked at Maison Margiela, Balenciaga and Donna Karan.

In his new role, Daniel oversees all Burberry collections and even presented his debut show at London Fashion Week in February 2023. Under his creative leadership, Burberry is poised to soar to new heights, building on its historical heritage and continuing the legacy of Riccardo Tisci. .

(Header and image credit: Sources – Instagram/Gucci and Alexander McQueen)