The appointment of Matthieu Blazy at Chanel two weeks ago has really set the industry buzzing. It is, after all, one of the most coveted jobs in fashion.
John Galliano’s recent departure from Maison Margiela after a 10-year tenure also set tongues wagging, as did Louise Trotter’s move to Bottega Veneta (to replace Blazy).
This year also witnessed other numerous new hires and exits throughout: Pierpaolo Piccioli, Alessandro Michelle, Sarah Burton, Hedi Slimane and more.
For sure, all of them are leaving behind a defining design legacy. Yet, what they will also be remembered for is their long list of celebrity clients.
From head-turning dresses worn on the red carpet at awards ceremonies to stage costumes for singers, being able to transform a wearer into a spectacle of elegance and magnificence matters a lot.
With the span of new designer debuts in 2025, expected at the likes of Celine, Givenchy, Lanvin, Calvin Klein, Tom Ford, Alberta Ferretti and Dries Van Noten, all eyes will not only turn to the collections, but also to see who the celebrities will choose to wear on the red carpet.
For now, here’s a look back at some of the iconic outfits worn by famous stars – designed by equally famous designers.
Matthieu Blazy's designs are a staple at big Hollywood events. Oscar-winning actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh is said to be a big fan of Matthieu Blazy's work at Bottega Veneta. Perhaps one of the most memorable is this leather fringed design for the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Photo: Instagram/Michelle Yeoh
John Galliano is THE designer when it comes to avant-garde designs. His Met Gala creation for actress Gwendoline Christie this year has been hailed as among the most memorable looks. It included a black silk tulle opera coat, worn over a blood-orange column dress and a skin-coloured silk satin corset. Photo: Maison Margiela
Lady Gaga's blue dress by Pierpaolo Piccioli for the 2019 Golden Globes is something to be remembered. Originally a style shown on Valentino's Autumn/Winter 2018 runway, the design was adapted to be more form-fitting for the singer/actress. Pierpaolo Piccioli announced his departure from Valentino in March, after working with the fashion house for over two decades. — Golden Globes Awards/Instagram
Alessandro Michele pretty much regards pop sensation Harry Styles as a well-loved muse. He has dressed the singer countless times over his tenure at Gucci. Styles also appeared in the fashion house's campaigns, to the extent of even helping design collaborative fashion collections. Alessandro Michele left Gucci in 2022 and joined Valentino in March this year. Photo: Instagram/Alessandro Michele
Louise Trotter has always kept more of a low profile as a designer, but she has her own list of favourite celebrities to dress. Award-winning film director Greta Gerwig is frequently seen in her dresses. Pictured here is a camel-toned frock featuring soft curves and a gentle fold, worn to the Cannes Film Festival. Photo: Instagram/Louise Trotter
Hedi Slimane is hailed as the champion of sequined looks. Actor Timothee Chalamet's sleek, sparkly look for this year's Golden Globes demonstrates Slimane's artistry to the fullest – an ability to make formal designs fun and glamorous. After a seven-year run, Hedi Slimane left Celine in October. Photo: Celine
Elle Fanning's 2023 Cannes Film Festival dress by Sarah Burton is the stuff of dreams. The exquisite bead and crystal-encrusted creation was even described as a "work of art" by the actress. Sarah Burton joined Givenchy in September. Prior to that, she helmed the Alexander McQueen label for two decades. Photo: Instagram/Elle Fanning
