Sabato De Sarno Exits Gucci
Gucci and creative director Sabato De Sarno have parted ways. The Fall 2025 collection, set to debut in Milan on February 25th, will be presented by Gucci’s design office. Francesca Bellettini, Kering’s deputy CEO in charge of brand development, stated: “I sincerely thank Sabato for his loyalty and professionalism. I am proud of the work that has been done to further strengthen Gucci’s fundamentals. Stefano and the new artistic direction will continue to build on this and to guide Gucci toward renewed fashion leadership and sustainable growth.” De Sarno’s departure comes amid a wave of creative shifts across Europe’s luxury houses, just days after Kim Jones announced his resignation from Dior Men. Hired by former Gucci president and CEO Marco Bizzarri, De Sarno made his runway debut for the house during Milan Fashion Week in September 2023. The Naples-born designer began his career at Prada in 2005 before moving to Dolce & Gabbana and later Valentino, where he worked for over a decade. Gucci has yet to announce its new artistic director. [WWD]
Jacquemus Expands into Beauty with L’Oréal Investment
Jacquemus is stepping into the beauty world with the backing of L’Oréal. The beauty giant has made a minority investment in the French fashion house to support its retail expansion and upcoming beauty ventures. Cyril Chapuy, president of L’Oréal Luxe, stated: “We are thrilled to welcome Jacquemus and unleash together its outstanding luxury beauty potential. With its singular brand positioning, fueled by sensational creativity and social first playfulness, Jacquemus will perfectly complement L’Oréal Luxe’s portfolio of iconic brands and reinforce our worldwide leadership.” Since the departure of Bastien Daguzan in December 2023, Simon Porte Jacquemus has been serving as both creative director and CEO. According to market sources, Celine North America president Sarah Benady is expected to step into the CEO role. [WWD]
Style Not Com x Zara Capsule Collection
We can all instantly recognize a @stylenotcom Instagram post, and now, Beka Gvishiani is bringing his signature blue to a new collaboration with Zara. The Style Not Com x Zara capsule collection spans casual wear, home goods, and stationery, all infused with Gvishiani’s distinct aesthetic.” If you know me, you know that I always talk about fashion—day and night, in and out, with friends or family,” Gvishiani shared. “So when the discussion started about designing this collection, the first thing I said was, ‘Let’s talk about fashion.’” Timed to coincide with fashion month, the collection will launch in one store per city—starting at New York’s Soho store on Saturday, February 8th, followed by releases in London, Milan, and Paris. It will be available worldwide on Zara.com beginning Monday, March 3rd.
Beka Gvishiani | Courtesy of DLX NYC
Area Taps Nicholas Aburn as Creative Director
Just two days after Area’s co-founder and creative director Piotrek Panszczyk announced his departure, the brand has named Nicholas Aburn as its new creative director. Aburn brings over 12 years of experience from roles at Balenciaga, Alexander Wang, and Tom Ford. Originally from Maryland, he was most recently based in Paris but is now returning to the U.S. for his new role. In a statement, he shared, “New York has always inspired me with its mix of raw energy and glamour. Area truly embodies this spirit, and I am excited to bring the brand back to its roots.” [WWD]
Model of the Week: Her Debut Season, Arnelle Slot Was An Inclusive Addition to the Chanel Runway
Model of the Week Arnelle Slot debuted at Tory Burch and has gone on to walk for some of fashion’s best brands, including Chanel and Michael Kors. Learn about her start in the industry, how it felt to walk Chanel in Paris, and the change she would like to see—more on her interview and exclusive shots by Daniel Jaramillo here.
Crystabel Efemena Riley’s Approach to Sustainable Makeup
London-based makeup artist Crystabel Efemena Riley is the latest feature in Behind the Image, a Models.com series that offers a personal look at both established and emerging artists. Crystabel first fell in love with makeup as a teenager, but a deep commitment to sustainability has defined her journey. She continues to push the industry forward, pioneering the first “Eco Beauty” course at London College of Fashion and implementing zero-waste practices at London Fashion Week. Discover her creative process, her biggest inspirations, and who’s one to watch here.
MDC Selects: From Estonia to New Zealand, These Rookies Share Fun Scout Stories
Ahead of fashion week, don’t miss the latest lineup of MDC Selects! From Estonia to New Zealand, these fresh faces come with incredible scouting stories. Click the link here for all the details.
And as we gear up for NYFW, don’t forget to watch a Day In The Life with Luiza Perote at the Marc Jacobs S/S 25 Show and Sienna King at Christopher John Rogers.
