In this week’s biggest fashion headlines, luxury’s creative director rotation continues to turn, men’s runway presentations sent strong messages and new brand partnerships were announced, just as others draw to a close.
While Glenn Martens was announced as Maison Margiela‘s new creative lead, Kim Jones announced his departure from Dior. Elsewhere, American designer Willy Chavarria further proved that he is the man of the hour in Paris, while at Louis Vuitton a new partnership was inked with Formula 1. Finally, Sean Wotherspoon spearheaded Gap‘s expansive vintage program, as sustainability advocate and designer Stella McCartney regained full ownership over her eponymous label from LVMH.
Below, Hypebeast has rounded up the top fashion stories of the week so you can stay up to date on trends in the industry.
Kim Jones Officially Steps Down as Artistic Director of Dior Men
On Friday morning, Dior confirmed that Kim Jones is ending his tenure as Dior Men’s artistic director. The official statement included remarks from Jones expressing “It was a true honor to have been able to create my collections within the House of Dior, a symbol of absolute excellence. I express my deep gratitude to my studio and the ateliers who have accompanied me on this wonderful journey. They have brought my creations to life. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the artists and friends I have met through my collaborations. Lastly, I feel sincere gratitude towards Bernard and Delphine Arnault, who have given me their full support.”
Jones began his role at Dior in 2018, following his time as artistic director of Louis Vuitton men’s beginning in 2011. Since joining the historic atelier, he injected Dior’s men’s lines with fresh appeal through streetwear-geared elements and soft touches of femininity. The designer was formally knighted by France’s Legion of Honor ahead of his final FW25 Men’s show. Following months of speculation his departure is confirmed, but it has yet to be announced whether Jones will be taking the helm at another fashion house as of the time of writing.
Glenn Martens Is Maison Margiela’s Next Creative Director
In the span of a few months, Y/Project co-founder Glenn Martens departed from the brand, while John Galliano left Maison Margiela and Y/Project officially closed. During that time questions have stirred surrounding Marten’s next move. On Wednesday, Maison Margiela announced that Glenn Martens would replace Galliano as artistic director at the French avant-garde Maison. In one statement Martens said “I feel extremely honoured to join the amazing Maison Margiela, a truly unique house that has been inspiring the world for decades. And I thank Renzo for the trust he is putting in me.”
The appointment is fitting considering that both the founder Martin Margiela and Glenn Martens studied at Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts and ended up working under Jean Paul Gaultier. As of now it’s not clear whether Martens will continue to serve as artistic director at Diesel, where the designer has reignited the brand with new cool after years of dwindling interest.
Willy Chavarria Makes Epic Paris Debut
Willy Chavarria‘s highly anticipated Paris debut on Saturday, January 25, was punctuated with multiple surprises and a glorious finale driven by an impassioned message. Ahead of the runway show a vintage low-rider was the vehicle for a traveling pop-up full of adidas x Willy Chavarria Paris merch. The lowrider pop-up reached its final destination at the venue, where a parade of looks showcased Chavarria’s design codes with grandeur.
Chavarria’s romantic runway included rose-adorned blazers, flower-powered Western hats and unconventional tailoring. In the middle of the presentation, J Balvin made an appearance modeling a bow-tied tux to perform an intimate serenade. In tandem with suiting, workwear and sportswear were elevated with Italian silks, velvets, bouclé and double-faced cashmere with a Baroque palette of opulent golds, blues, crimson and plum. At the end of the show, the designer marched in step with his models as a sermon passionately advocating for marginalized communities played from the speakers.
Kendrick Lamar Taps Willy Chavarria for Super Bowl Halftime Collection
Just days after a headline-making runway debut in Paris, Willy Chavarria announced a special collaboration with Kendrick Lamar ahead of the rapper’s Super Bowl Halftime show coming this February. The tripartite collab between the NFL, Lamar’s pgLang label and Chavarria features a limited-edition collection of fan-inspired gear. A balloon-sleeved satin jacket with “KLamar” embroidery on the chest and “g.NATIONAL” lettering on the back is joined by lightweight practice jerseys, drawstring mesh shorts and Super Bowl LIX hoodies and T-shirts.
The Willy Chavarria x Kendrick Lamar collection will become available to shop online on Wednesday, January 29. Proceeds from the collection will be donated to organizations and individuals impacted by the Los Angeles fires.
Louis Vuitton Becomes Official Partner of Formula 1
Louis Vuitton has unveiled a 10-year partnership with Formula 1 as the Official Partner of the motorsport and the Title Partner of the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix 2025. As the motorsport company celebrates its 75th anniversary, the French maison will contribute with elements like trackside branding and Trophy Trunks, which will be presented ahead of races.
Louis Vuitton and Formula 1’s partnership is yet another tie-in as the motorsport and fashion world increasingly cross over. In 2024 PUMA and A$AP Rocky held a joint partnership with Formula 1 including new kicks and an apparel collection. The 2025 Formula 1 season will kick off in Melbourne, Australia on March 16.
Sean Wotherspoon Is Launching Gap’s New Vintage Program
After the launch of successful vintage drops with Gap, designer and Round Two founder Sean Wotherspoon has been announced as the head of Gap’s new vintage program. Wotherspoon’s new role as Global Vintage Curator will launch the GapVintage program, a globally sourced curation that will be released in a series of seasonal drops throughout the year.
“I’m excited to see Gap take curated control over the supply of its vintage product and renew this program in an even bigger way since we pioneered it almost two years ago,” said Wotherspoon. “As the vintage and secondhand market continues to grow and resonate among younger generations, I’m looking forward to bringing GapVintage to the hands of today’s youth around the world.”
The first GapVintage drop will become available to shop in the US on February 4 at noon ET via Gap’s website. The line will launch in select pop-ups in Shinjuku, Tokyo, on February 1 and Osaka on February 8.
Stella McCartney Is Buying Back Minority Stake From LVMH
Stella McCartney has announced that it is buying back her minority stake from LVMH, however, the innovative designer is set to work with the group with a new title of Global Ambassador for Sustainability.
A statement made by LVMH said “This new chapter for Stella McCartney reflects her desire to write a new page in her story independently, after working closely with the group to strengthen the fundamentals and governance of her house.” With full ownership under the founding designer, the brand’s next steps remain unknown, but one can expect McCartney to continue driving forth her sustainability initiatives, which have transcended fluctuating owners.
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