Oscar de la Renta Co-Creative Directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia Exit After Nine Years
Oscar de la Renta is entering a new chapter as co-creative directors Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim step down from the helm after nearly a decade. The news, confirmed this week, marks the latest in a string of high-profile creative shifts reshaping fashion’s landscape. Appointed in 2016 following the passing of the house’s legendary founder, Kim and Garcia brought youthful energy and a modern sensibility to the brand’s refined DNA, often balancing their work with the duo’s own label, Monse. With their final Oscar collections expected for Pre-Fall and Fall/Winter 2026, the designers will now focus solely on Monse, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with a show staged against a backdrop of museum-worthy art. The departure of Kim and Garcia from Oscar de la Renta adds to a season of notable creative shakeups. [Vogue Business]
Jaden Smith Named Men’s Creative Director at Christian Louboutin
In a move that caught the fashion industry by surprise, Christian Louboutin has appointed Jaden Smith as its first-ever men’s creative director. The announcement adds to a growing trend of celebrities stepping into design roles, following Future’s stint at Lanvin and SZA’s appointment at Vans. It reflects a shift in how luxury brands are embracing pop culture to reach a new generation. Smith will relocate to Paris and is set to unveil his first collection during Men’s Fashion Week in January. He will lead the design of four seasonal collections spanning footwear, leather goods, and accessories, while also helping shape campaign strategies, events, and immersive brand experiences. “This is one of the biggest honors of my life,” Smith told WWD. “I feel a lot of pressure to live up to everything Christian has built.” [WWD]
Francesca Bellettini Takes Over as Gucci CEO
In a surprise leadership shake-up, Kering has appointed Francesca Bellettini as the new CEO of Gucci, replacing Stefano Cantino just nine months into his tenure. The decision comes as Kering’s newly appointed Group CEO, Luca de Meo, begins restructuring efforts across the French luxury giant. Bellettini had previously served as Kering’s deputy CEO in charge of brand development, where she was already deeply involved in shaping Gucci’s recent leadership and creative direction, including bringing on Cantino and creative director Demna. Now, she officially takes the reins of the house she helped influence from behind the scenes. Alongside the change, Kering has dissolved the dual deputy CEO roles previously held by Bellettini and Jean-Marc Duplaix, signaling de Meo’s push for “a leaner and clearer organisation.” The stakes are high, once a €10 billion brand, Gucci has faced two years of steep sales declines, with the most recent quarter seeing a 25% drop. Bellettini, an industry veteran with a background in banking and fashion, is now tasked with reviving the brand’s momentum. Her leadership arrives just ahead of Gucci’s next creative chapter, as Demna’s debut collection will be introduced via film during Milan Fashion Week on September 23, with select products available immediately and a full runway presentation slated for Spring. [Reuters]
Zara Hair Steps Into the Shower with Its First-Ever Shampoo Collection
Zara expands its beauty ambitions with the launch of its first shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask collection. Known for runway-inspired fashion at accessible prices, the Spanish retailer now brings that same ethos to haircare. Developed in collaboration with longtime hair stylist Guido Palau, the new Zara hair care line strips things back to pre-styling essentials with formulas tailored for four hair types: fine, medium, thick, and curly. It’s Palau’s sixth release with the brand, but the first that takes aim at the foundational routines behind every look. You can shop the collection here.
Mathieu Simoneau Styles Up Satire in “The First Male Model”
Fashion week might be in full swing, but Top 50 standout Mathieu Simoneau shows there’s room to laugh at the spectacle itself. In “The First Male Model,” the final chapter of the Columbine Goldsmith mini series, Simoneau pokes fun at the rituals and self-scrutiny that come with life in front of the camera: think etched abs, phantom lip fillers, and skincare routines on overdrive. With campaigns for Balenciaga, Hermès, and Calvin Klein under his belt (plus a million+ followers watching), Simoneau knows the scrutiny of the spotlight well. Equal parts confessional and performance, Models.com followed the social media star to the famed The Surrey for a satirical look at how image, myth, and routine collide in today’s modeling world. Find the full interview here.
Models.com S/S 26 Confirmed
New York Fashion Week came and went in a blitz, bringing the return of Models.com’s annual Confirmed series. Now in its 11th edition, this casting preview offers an exclusive look at 45 faces set to shape the S/S 26 runway season and beyond. Captured by Melodie Jeng during our pre-season go-see in New York, Confirmed highlights the wave of talent commanding early attention. Whether first-timers or familiar faces, each face featured is ready to leave a mark on the weeks ahead. Find more of these confirmed faces here.
These New Faces Are Turning Their Day Jobs Into Runway Momentum
Find out who’s a professional chef, who re-arranges their bedroom every two weeks, and who just earned a finance degree from the latest set of New Faces. See their answers and more here.
NYFW Street-Style
Check out the last days of NYFW street style, all captured by Melodie Jeng here.
And don’t forget to check out NYFW takeovers with Dick Page at Michael Kors, Quadir Moore at Theophilio, Gaye Sergine at Eckhaus Latta, and Libby Taverner at Tory Burch.
