Last year was a colossal year for designer debuts. After late 2024 and early 2025 ushered in an especially drawn out and dramatic game of fashion musical chairs, the second half of the year offered an opportunity for each creative director to debut their first collections at their respective new houses. By September, we thought we were done with the designer shakeups as we settled into new visions, however the end of the year left us with a few lingering question marks. Still to be announced: who will replace Dario Vitale after his exceptionally fleeting moment at Versace? Will Armani group announce a successor to the late Mr. Armani? Are John Galliano, Kim Jones, and Hedi Slimane all at large for the foreseeable future?
Ahead, we’ve gathered all of the designer debuts from newly appointed creative directors to look out for in 2026.
Maria Grazia Chiuri, Fendi
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In October last year, it was announced that former Christian Dior designer Maria Grazia Chiuri would be returning to the house where she started her career in 1989. The Roman designer, who co-designed at Valentino alongside Pierpaolo Piccioli prior to her exceedingly triumphant stint at Dior, has returned to Fendi. It’s a natural fit for Chiuri, who will debut her first womenswear collection in Milan this February, as part of the Fall/Winter 2026 season. After womenswear will be her men’s debut in June, followed by couture in July, which will be an easy task for Chiuri given her long history working at couture houses.
Meryll Rogge, Marni
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Meryll Rogge, the Belgian designer appointed in July 2025 to helm Marni, is succeeding former creative director Francesco Risso and will debut her first collection for the Italian brand during Milan fashion week in February as well. Rogge is the founder of her eponymous brand, and previously worked at Dries Van Noten and Marc Jacobs. Rogge’s approach to design, which fuses layering and surrealist shapes with pops of color and traditional tailoring, feels like an apt fit for a brand like Marni, and it’s always a bonus to have a woman in a top design position.
Antonin Tron, Balmain
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Over at Balmain, Antonin Ton, successor of long-time designer Olivier Rousteing, will begin his tenure with his Fall/Winter 2026 collection during Paris Fashion Week this March. After Rousteing’s history-making oeuvre at Balmain, Tron has large shoes to fill, but with his track record at his own brand, Atlein, which places emphasis on the body and form, we’re looking forward to seeing what his new vision at Balmain will offer.
Grace Wales Bonner, Hermès
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One of the most exciting designer appointments of late last year was the news that Grace Wales Bonner, the British-Jamaican designer behind her viral namesake brand, will be headed to Hermès’ menswear department. Unfortunately/fortunately, the French luxury house has given Wales Bonner a nice long lead time to adjust to the role, so it’s reported that she will debut her first collection for men’s week in January 2027.
