Fashion House Musical Chairs: Recent Leadership Changes, Power Moves and More From Our Favorite Designers

Roundup of recent comings and goings of fashion executives at designer labels

By Jennifer Chan Jul 12, 2013 10:57 PMTags
Jason Wu, Emma Hill, Nicolas Ghesquiere, Alexander Wang, Reed KrakoffJamie McCarthy/Dimitrios Kambouris/Larry Busacca/Getty Images; SIPA; Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic,

We all know that the art of fashion is cyclical. What was once old is new again, and always evolving, changing and pushing forward to stir up more buzz as trends come and go.

And just as popular styles enjoy their limelight before inevitably fading into the background, so do the powerful leaders behind each brand.

We've recently noticed a rise in creative leadership changeover among top fashion houses starting with when Alexander Wang took the reins at Balenciaga back in November, and that momentum is certainly on the rise with each passing day.

Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic,

In fact, we're starting to get dizzy from following the power-player musical chairs as of late!

Here's a rundown of the recent comings and goings:

Coach: After 16 fruitful years as president and executive creative director of the iconic accessory brand, Reed Krakoff announced in April of this year that he would step down from his lofty position, where he was largely responsible for revolutionizing and expanding the brand, in order to focus on his own eponymous sportswear-inspired line.

Stuart Vevers, formerly of Madrid-based label Loewe, succeeds him. "Coach is an exceptional brand and company that I've long admired for its rich heritage," Vevers told WWD. "I am excited to drive Coach's next stage of transformation."

We cant wait to see what he does!

JEWEL SAMAD/AFP, Jason Merritt, Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images; JUSTIN CAMPBELL/startraksphoto.com

Hugo Boss: We definitely didn't see this one coming! Jason Wu, who has established a long list of loyal fans like Michelle Obama, Diane Kruger, Blake Lively, Camilla Belle, Jaime King, Emma Stone and countless others, has also signed on to design a women's wear collection for the German-based brand.

He joins Hugo Boss as artistic director, a newly created position, where he will spearhead a ready-to-wear and accessory line while still developing and growing his own label. Sweet!

Bally: The European luxury heritage brand is parting ways with creative directors Graeme Fidler and Michael Herz, announced earlier this month in WWD. The talented duo have yet to disclose where they will settle in next, but we'll be following closely to see which other high-end accessory line snaps them up.

Marc by Marc Jacobs: Katie Hillier and Luella Bartley have recently joined forces to breathe new life into the popular ready-to-wear label, which is adored by numerous celebs.

London-based Hillier will assume the title as creative director, while Bartley steps in as womenswear design director. Marc Jacobs, who designs the main Marc Jacobs line and also assumes the role as creative director at Louis Vuitton, will still be partially involved with the Marc by Marc Jacobs line.

Mulberry: Stepping down from her role as creative director of the British leather goods line is Emma Hill after six flourishing years.

The sharp visionary did wonders for the celebrated U.K. fashion house by creating cult-like handbag buzz for the brand, prominently promoting chic fashionistas like Cara Delevingne in ad campaigns, hyping up her popular Alexa satchel design and more.

No word on where Hill is heading next.