The Cruise 2026 season is in full swing. Chanel transported us to Lake Como, while Gucci ventured deep into the archives (literally). Louis Vuitton traveled to Avignon ( a city in southeastern France’s Provence region) for its Cruise 2026 showcase. Nicolas Ghesquière, who has served as creative director since 2013, welcomed guests inside the historic Palais des Papes. The front row inside the medieval landmark was stacked with the likes of Sophie Turner, Cate Blanchett, Catherine Deneuve, and France’s First Lady Brigitte Macron. Models took to the runway adorned in an assortment of opulent, sharp, and armor-like designs. Metallics, fur, and lavish embellishments reigned supreme. “Women’s armor for everyday life,” Ghesquière told WWD backstage.

Louis Vuitton Cruise 2026 Collection Review

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Nicolas Ghesquière’s in a league of his own. Beyond!” [Kanzai]

“FATHER IS FATHERING!” [helmutnotdead]

“I feel challenged, I feel intrigued, I feel questioned and then, two seconds later, it’s pure love. Seriously, Nicolas has been on a roll since his 10-year show.” [yslforever]

“Love it. I think it’s quite a sumptuous, rich and layered collection. That excess of jacquard, lurex, shine, shine shine! I really love the oversized jacquard t-shirt dresses, that insane gold blazer, the A-line knitted dresses. The shoes and bags are also fabulous.” [Lola701]

“FANTASTIC collection and show! When Ghesquière is on he’s marvelous, and he was ON for this collection!” [VogueDisciple93]

“That was GREAT! The bags were gorgeous and will sell very well. The set and music were spectacular as well. One of the few Louis Vuitton collections from NG that I can say I love.” [Salvatore]

“Lovely show. The shapes are very familiar, like a compilation really. Revisiting his history at a historic place, cool. But the real charm here is all the textiles, patterns, prints, the colors, the embellishment. This is what is missing from fashion – something evocative, doing that bridge past and present. Thank God for Nicolas!” [Alquimista]

See all the looks from the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2026 collection and join the conversation, here.

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Today, the world of fashion is digesting the news of Pierpaolo Piccioli becoming Balenciaga creative director – with the guessing game coming to an abrupt halt. The post has been vacant subsequent to Demna switching houses to save Gucci (following the not-so-unexptected departure of Sabato De Sarno in February). Demna will present his final Balenciaga collection in July during Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week – with Piccioli taking the reins July 10. The Italian designer joins the Spanish Paris-based fashion house after parting ways with Valentino in early 2024, having served as creative director for 25 years. The revered designer joins Balenciaga at a challenging moment for parent company Kering, who reported a 14% year-on-year decline in first quarter sales to €3.9bn.⁠

Balenciaga Appoints Pierpaolo Piccioli Creative Director

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Girl simply what? Why wouldn’t they put him at Gucci and Demna at Balenciaga? This makes no sense.” [cheapthrills]

“I am going to give him a chance, but as I was expecting, I am disappointed in this appointment. Congratulations to him anyway.” [Salvatore]

“All I’m gonna say is: LOL Kering CEOs really want to see the ship sink!” [Creative]

“Very pleasantly surprised at the negative reactions here, to be completely honest. IMO, any creative director is better than the trite Demna served up at Balenciaga. All I require from Pierpaolo Piccioli is for him to inject some glamour, elegance, and sophistication back into Balenciaga.” [vogue28]

“I personally was wishing for Pieter [Mulier] or Daniel [Rsoeberry] cause I find them more exciting fashion-wise, but this makes sense. Balenciaga desperately needed someone that would clean up the house, and bring some class back. Pierpaolo is a perfect person to do that. I can’t wait to see what he does for couture there.” [Marc10]

“The good thing is that it cannot get worse than Demna’s regurgitations.” [VogueDisciple93]

“I kinda optimistic about it!” [pryvli]

Share your own thoughts on Pierpaolo Piccioli becoming Balenciaga creative director, here.

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You might not need reminding that Demna is now Gucci creative director, having picked up the baton from Sabato De Sarno (who made a not-so-unexpected exit from the role in February). As the world of fashion awaits Demna’s runway debut, today, the historic Italian fashion label returned to the place where it all began. For the Gucci Cruise 2026 collection, the in-house design team led the fashion crowd to Florence – the city where the brand was founded by Guccio Gucci in 1921. At the historic Palazzo Settimanni (the site of the Gucci archives), guests like Paul Mescal and Julia Garner assembled on the front row. Models emerged from backstage to parade the studio’s interim collection of lavish feather coats, sheer bodysuits, and splashes of bold color scattered throughout.

Gucci Cruise 2026 Collection Review

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“I can feel this collection as ‘Chatper Zero’ to introduce Demna’s vision…” [IndigoHomme]

“I still see a lot of Prada, YSL, and this time also a lot of Balenciaga. Yet I find it more interesting and with more life than anything De Sarno ever produced.” [carla56]

“Another Vaccarello YSL coded collection with a sprinkle of Tom Ford…again? Those looks with oversized fur collar jacket paired with high-waisted pencil skirt and top are soooo Vaccarello. The styling was giving huge Carine Roitfeld x Tom Ford vibes.” [FashionPower]

“Very nice! I actually quite like it!” [BalkaniStaCouture]

“They need to tighten this up with some good tailoring and better design. Not bad, though.” [brandon J pierre]

“Very YSL meets Alessandro Michele meets the in-between shows styled by Suzanne Koller. Seriously, this is a good collection. But it’s coming too late. A lot of very beautiful and desirable pieces but do we care at this point?” [Lola701]

See all the looks from the Gucci Cruise 2026 collection and join the conversation, here.

The post Forum Members Review the Florence-Staged Gucci Cruise 2026 Collection appeared first on theFashionSpot.

You might not need reminding that Balenciaga is without a creative director, and an announcement of a new visionary for the Paris-based fashion house is imminent. In March (following the not-so-unexpected exit of Sabato De Sarno at Gucci), Demna ultimately became Gucci creative director. As a result, the Georgian designer leaves his post at Balenciaga, scheduled to present his final collection in July during Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week. Previous creative directors of Balenciaga (founded in 1917 by Cristóbal Balenciaga) include Michel Goma (1987-1992), Josephus Thimister (1992-1997) Nicolas Ghesquière (1997-2012), and Alexander Wang (2013-2015). Currently without a job within the world of fashion are John Galliano, Hedi Slimane, Pierpaolo Piccioli, Kim Jones – the list goes on. Who will be the next Balenciaga creative director is the question on everyone’s lips.

Who Is the Next Balenciaga Creative Director?

Revisit the Balenciaga Winter 2025 Collection:

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Galliano x Balenciaga would be nice if we could get the fresh and dynamic Galliano from Dior early 2000s. No one really wants the autopilot burnout Galliano from the early 2010s.” [FashionPower]

“Seriously speaking, it has to be Daniel [Roseberry]. It’s a perfect match. Just imagining what he would cook up with the archives is already making me dream. Make Balenciaga Great Again!” [Marc10]

“Pieter Mulier for Balenciaga would be fantastic!” [cheapthrills]

“Give me Pierpaolo Piccioli and I’ll be happy. However, seeing Roseberry and Mulier I wouldn’t be disappointed.” [fashionlov]

“I want Claire Waight Keller for Balenciaga. She was done so dirty by Givenchy and LMVH, but we still have her to thank for one of the best HC shows of the past decade or so (not that there’s been a lot of competition).” [fruitdots]

“Please let it be someone who can respect the craft of couture and make us dream again. I can’t stand the disgusting streetwear that the brand has become known for.” [IsabelMarantBoy]

“I can only see Kanye taking over with the current direction they are going…” [GreyVetiver]

“I really don’t care who goes where by now. I am so tired.” [Salvatore]

Share your own thoughts on who should be the next Balenciaga creative director, here.

The post Here’s Who Our Forum Members Think Should Be the Next Balenciaga Creative Director… appeared first on theFashionSpot.

As the world of fashion awaits the highly anticipated debut of Matthieu Blazy as Chanel creative director in October, the fabled French fashion house ventured to Lake Como for its Cruise 2026 showcase. Keira Knightley, Margaret Qualley, and Lupita Nyong’o were just some of the stars who traveled to the idyllic Italian setting for the occasion, with the collection shown on location within the famed Villa d’Este hotel. Designed by the in-house design team, the lineup embodied relaxed glamour and carefree vacation vibes as an invitation to an Italian getaway. A cast of models meandered the hotel’s lush terrace, dressed for a sun-drenched vacation, sporting crocheted and terry cloth separates, tweed suits, evening pajamas, tiered skirts, airy dresses, weightless gowns, and variations of the Chanel 25 handbag.

Chanel Cruise 2026 Collection Review

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Better than the Marseille disaster from last year. At least there’s no hoodie dress in sight.” [FashionPower]

“The location saves this collection, I think. Dare I say better than what we’ve seen for the past 2-3 seasons for sure.” [proseccotabis]

“It’s inoffensively bland. And that’s okay. Many steps up from what we’ve been suffering through for seasons now, and a god send of a collection after that Marseille disaster.” [Cocteau Stone]

“An inoffensive moment indeed. Still the best collection by the studio and also probably better than some of the Virginie’s stuff.” [Lola701]

“Although Matthieu’s debut is in September, it feels like he already had his hands on it. There is an easiness, a simplicity, and relaxation that contrasts with the heaviness from previous offerings, but also some ‘daring’ cuts for such a conservative brand.” [Monsieur Cristobal]

“Some pieces look dated but there are a few nice looks. The collection definitely looks lighter and sexier.” [MModa]

See all the looks from the Chanel Cruise 2025 collection and join the conversation, here.

The post Forum Members Review the Chanel Cruise 2026 Collection, Presented in Lake Como appeared first on theFashionSpot.

Last season, Ralph Lauren invited the fashion pack out to The Hamptons for his spectacular Spring 2025 showcase. For the Fall 2025 season, the legendary American designer ventured back to his home turf of New York City, and welcomed guests inside the Jack Shainman Gallery in downtown Manhattan for the occasion. A bevy of A-list talent (including Naomi Watts and Anne Hathaway) sat perched front row as Ralph’s latest collection made its way around the light-infused showspace, worn by models like Anok Yai, Lulu Tenney, and Layla Etengan. The affair was quintessential Ralph Lauren – modern, romantic, and bohemian in feel. On display was everything from luxurious velvet tailoring and paisley maxi-skirt suits to shirt dresses and sophisticated evening frocks.

Ralph Lauren Fall 2025 Collection Review

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Always amazing!” [caioherrero]

“Sublime, from opening to closing look. Quintessential Ralph Lauren and not one single misstep. It’s all just so immaculate and polished – from the casting to the Jack Shainman Gallery setting. I’m just in absolute awe…” [vogue28]

“Not his best but a beautiful and luxurious collection. What I hated is the huge quantity of bags in the first part of the show. They distracted me because Ralph has always been about clothes, and not bags that are too in your face.” [carla56]

See all the looks from the Ralph Lauren Fall 2025 collection and join the conversation, here.

The post Forum Members Review the ‘Immaculate’ Ralph Lauren Fall 2025 Collection appeared first on theFashionSpot.

It has been the worst-kept secret in fashion. Finally, the announcement(?) has dropped that Jonathan Anderson is now the creative director of Dior Men. For months, rumors have been rampant that the revered British designer was to replace Maria Grazia Chiuri at Christian Dior. Today, at LVMH’s annual shareholders’ meeting in Paris, Bernard Arnault announced Anderson has replaced Kim Jones (who parted ways with the fabled French fashion house in January). Last month, Anderson departed Loewe as creative director following a celebrated 10-year tenure. During the upcoming Spring 2026 season of Menswear Paris Fashion Week in June, the London College of Fashion graduate (and our 2023 Designer of the Year) will present his debut collection.

Revisit the Dior Men Fall 2025 Collection

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Finally some movement!” [Salvatore]

“Wish he could debut with a womenswear collection but happy they finally announced him. Can’t wait to see what he does!” [Creative]

“Such an underwhelming announcement. Bernard only confirmed it because a shareholder asked him during a meeting? LOL!” [fashionmarketeditor]

“I’m starting to think there’s something troublesome going on with MGC’s departure/Jonathan’s arrival that is hampering the proper announcements. This is so unlike LMHV to just throw what would be their biggest news of the year so casually in a shareholder meeting.” [Marc10]

“I love how random the announcement was. I mean, it’s the worst kept secret of the industry and the man has been working there already. They did not bother doing a press release probably because they are waiting for MCG to leave in order to properly appoint him.” [Lola701]

Very happy for him to finally get some validation from the top but still the way they handling the change of reign is just embarrassing.” [Olaffo]

Share your own thoughts on Jonathan Anderson becoming Dior Men creative director and join the conversation, here.

The post Forum Members React to Jonathan Anderson Becoming Creative Director of Dior Men appeared first on theFashionSpot.

Confirmed: Duran Lantink as Jean Paul Gaultier creative director. As rumored over on theFashionSpot forums (and within the industry at large), the Dutch fashion designer is to become the iconic French fashion house’s permanent creative director. Since his retirement in 2020, Jean Paul Gaultier initiated a rotation of guest designers, in which the likes of Chitose Abe, Glenn Martens, Olivier Rousteing, Haider Ackermann, Julien Dossena, Simone Rocha, Nicolas di Felice, and (more recently) Ludovic de Saint Sernin were called upon to design couture collections. Lantink, who founded his genderless label in 2016, will present his debut ready-to-wear collection during Paris Fashion Week in September 2025. The first Haute Couture collection from Lantink will follow in January 2026.

Jean Paul Gaultier Appoints Duran Lantink as Permanent Creative Director

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“Not a bad idea!” [BalkaniStaCouture]

“JPG back on the fashion week calendar? I’m here for that!” [Mrs.T]

“I wish him well.” [Salvatore]

“I really thought JPG’s RTW was gone forever! It’s a big surprise. Can’t say that I’m ready to see JPG under another name than the man himself. Congrats to him though, it’s huge!” [Valentine27]

“I wish him luck, and will gladly anticipate what he shows in January.” [engenius]

“Good for him but I find this unnecessary.” [Avonlea]

“He seems like a better fit for Loewe than Gaultier, no?” [LadyJunon]

Share your own thoughts on Duran Lantink becoming Jean Paul Gaultier creative director, here.

The post Forum Members React to Duran Lantink Becoming Jean Paul Gaultier Creative Director appeared first on theFashionSpot.

The world of fashion continues to hold its breath for the *imminent* announcement of Maria Grazia Chiuri departing Christian Dior. The Italian designer became the first female creative director of the fabled French fashion house in 2016, and rumors continue to swirl Jonathan Anderson (formerly of Loewe) will replace MGC. As announced back in January, Dior ventured to Kyoto, Japan, to stage its Pre-Fall 2025 collection. The lineup paid tribute to Monsieur Christian Dior’s obsession with florals and birds. MCG collaborated with local Japanese artisans for the occasion (one of which began working with the house more than 70 years ago). In the garden of the Toji Temple, models emerged backstage and walked the space parading long overcoats and dresses in a muted and monochromatic color palette.

Christian Dior Pre-Fall 2025 Collection Review

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“The location seems better than Chanel, but I am tired of those cliches when the references and inspiration behind those collections are minimal.” [JohannesL]

“Very sombre.” [oioioi]

“It’s literally the same as always and I swear she did something identical at Valentino for a Pre-Fall collection in 2016. This woman is completely out of ideas, and yet she insists on staying in the fashion industry and churning out the same thing over and over again.” [Frederic01]

“It’s very under-produced. Where are the ideas?” [Norden]

“I mean… different location, same clothes. Again and again.” [proseccotabis]

“The Japanese references were used in such a literal, bland and uninspiring way. I wish MGC would have been more creative about it.” [Kennnn]

“From a pure clothing standpoint, I actually love a lot of what I’m seeing here. The cut of those pants, the coats and all… Very obvious and simple but it’s the stuff I love. Even the platform sandals.” [Lola701]

“What an amazingly beautiful location.” [brandon J pierre]

See all the looks from the Christian Dior Pre-Fall 2025 collection and join the conversation, here.

The post Forum Members Review the Kyoto-Staged Christian Dior Pre-Fall 2025 Collection appeared first on theFashionSpot.

The Versace brand has been a major topic of conversation amongst the fashion pack for the last few months. Mere weeks ago, Donatella Versace exited the iconic Italian fashion brand as creative director – with Dario Vitale immediately announced as Donatella’s successor. Late last year, rumors began to circulate that the brand was up for sale by Capri Holdings (who acquired the brand in January 2019 for over $2.1 billion). Today, the news has emerged that the Prada Group has finalized a purchase of Versace for a staggering $1.36 billion. Prada plans to invest an additional €250 million in relaunching Versace. The brand (founded by the late Gianni Versace in 1976) has struggled to keep up with the bigger, heritage brands amid a global downturn in luxury sales – and we cannot wait to see what’s to come.

Revisit the Versace Fall 2025 Collection

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:

“The fashion industry has been moving in a very dark way lately… It seems like everything is going to end. There is no hope.” [DK92]

“Call me pessimistic, I just don’t think Prada knows how to do with Versace…” [JohannesL]

“I’m very excited about this! As an Italian, I’m proud that an historic brand is becoming Italian again, and being part of the Prada group can only help Versace to become luxurious again. I really hope Dario will change EVERYTHING at the brand.” [carla56]

“To be honest, I’m mostly happy to see Versace back in Italian ownership and out of MK’s grasp. I hope they give Vitale full creative reign to revamp everything, because Versace has been middle-of-the-road for the better part of a decade.” [LadyJunon]

“This is exciting. Prada acquiring Versace suggests they’re ready to invest serious effort into the brand. With Prada’s logistics and resources behind it, Versace has the potential to become bigger than ever.” [GivenchyHomme]

“My fingers are crossed for the brand. Gianni was/is one of my favorite designers and I loved what Donatella did in the early 2000s. I really want Dario to give us luxury, sexiness, maturity, and confidence. Let Versace be Versace!” [Salvatore]

Share your own thoughts on Prada purchasing Versace for $1.36 Billion and join the conversation, here.

The post Forum Members React to The Prada Group Purchasing Versace for $1.36 Billion appeared first on theFashionSpot.