The upcoming Fashion Month promises an unparalleled wave of change within the industry, featuring an extraordinary fifteen designer debuts. This season is set to unveil a multitude of fresh creative directions, from highly anticipated first collections by new creative directors at renowned fashion houses to significant brand anniversaries. Fashion enthusiasts and insiders alike are preparing for a dynamic period of innovation and transition across the global fashion capitals.
A notable aspect of this Fashion Month is the influx of new creative talent. Matthieu Blazy, following his celebrated work at Bottega Veneta, is poised to present his inaugural collection for Chanel in Paris on October 6th. Meanwhile, Louise Trotter steps into Blazy's former role at Bottega Veneta, showcasing her first collection in Milan on September 27th, marking one of the few female appointments in this widespread reshuffle. Concurrently, Mark Thomas, an internal selection, will debut his collection for Carven in Paris on October 2nd, further emphasizing the shift in creative leadership.
Across the Channel, Jonathan Anderson, recognized for his distinctive blend of elegance and eccentricity during his tenure at Loewe, is set to unveil his first official women's collection for Dior in Paris on October 1st. Anderson's move opens the door for Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, founders of Proenza Schouler, to take the reins at Loewe. Their debut collection as creative directors is scheduled for October 3rd in Paris. These transitions highlight a broader movement of designers seeking new platforms for their artistic expressions.
The momentum of change continues with Pierpaolo Piccioli, after 25 years at Valentino, presenting his first collection for Balenciaga on October 4th in Paris. Piccioli succeeds Demna, with expectations of infusing a more refined and feminine aesthetic, reminiscent of Cristóbal Balenciaga's original vision. Additionally, Nicholas Aburn, a former senior designer at Balenciaga Couture, will make his debut as Area's creative director in New York on September 12th. Earlier this summer, Michael Rider's Celine and Glenn Martens's Maison Margiela offered initial glimpses of their new directions, with full collections to be revealed in Paris next month, contributing to the season's evolving landscape.
Further exciting developments include Simone Bellotti's first collection for Jil Sander in Milan on September 24th, following his acclaimed revitalization of Bally. Duran Lantik, known for his bold and provocative style, will assume the permanent creative director role at Jean Paul Gaultier, showing his first collection in Paris on October 5th. Lastly, Miguel Castro Freitas, formerly of Sportmax, will take over Mugler, presenting his debut collection in Paris on October 2nd. These appointments signal a diverse range of design philosophies poised to influence future fashion trends.
Beyond the immediate debuts, anticipation builds for collections yet to come. Demna's official debut for Gucci is slated for March, with a special presentation on September 23rd offering an early preview of his vision. Similarly, Dario Vitale's reimagined Versace, under the guidance of the former Miu Miu design director, will host an event during Milan Fashion Week on September 26th, ahead of an official runway presentation in February. Rachel Scott of Diotima, the new creative director for Proenza Schouler, will have her official debut in February 2026, while Meryll Rogge, Marni's newly appointed creative director, awaits a determined date for her first collection. These forthcoming presentations add another layer of excitement to the dynamic fashion calendar.
The Fashion Month calendar itself is experiencing notable shifts and additions. New York City welcomes back Toteme and Off-White, both showing their Spring 2026 collections on September 15th and 12th, respectively. London-based Knwls re-enters the fashion scene, making its Milan debut on September 24th. Additionally, New York favorites Zankov and Diotima (both September 15th), along with L'Enchanteur (September 11th), will host their inaugural runway shows. SC103, the New York-based label founded by Sophie Andes Gascon and Claire McKinney, is also joining the NYFW schedule for the first time, with their newest collection set for September 12th. These calendar adjustments underscore the ever-evolving nature of global fashion events.
Amidst the changes, the season also holds moments of celebration and reflection. Brandon Maxwell marks his 10th anniversary with a show on September 9th, commemorating a decade of elevated American sportswear. The Armani brand will celebrate its 50th anniversary in Milan, a bittersweet milestone following the recent passing of its founder. An exhibition featuring 150 Giorgio Armani looks will open on September 24th at the Pinacoteca di Brera, culminating in a runway show unveiling the Spring/Summer 2026 women's collection alongside select men's looks. These events blend forward-looking innovation with tributes to enduring legacies in the fashion world.