Demna Switches to Gucci, Donatella Steps Down at Versace & Simone Bellotti Joins Jil Sander in this Week’s Top Fashion News

In this week’s top fashion news, the luxury sector’s creative directors continue to reshuffle, rising designers step into new territory and new long-term partnerships are inked.

The latest luxury personnel changes pull Demna from Balenciaga to Gucci and Simone Bellotti from Bally to Jil Sander. However, perhaps even more surprising is Donatella Versace‘s departure from her designer role at Versace, which she held for almost three decades. Elsewhere, Jonathan Anderson‘s absence from the runways drives more rumors of his departure from Loewe. New names to the luxury sector are making big strides with Bode opening its first-ever non-US store in Paris and Wales Bonner unveiling its first women’s focused collection for FW25. Finally, in the sports realm, Liverpool FC has concluded its Nike deal and announced a multi-year partnership with adidas kicking off this year.

Below, Hypebeast has rounded up the top fashion stories of the week so you can stay up to date on trends in the industry.

Demna OUT at Balenciaga, IN at Gucci

Following an almost decade-long tenure at Balenciaga, Demna is finally ending his creative director role at the historic fashion house for a new role at Gucci. In a statement, Francesca Bellettini, Kering Deputy CEO said “Demna’s profound understanding of contemporary culture, coupled with his extensive experience in conceiving visionary projects, has established him as one of the most influential and accomplished creatives of his generation.” “His appointment as Artistic Director is the perfect catalyst to reignite Gucci’s creative energy. I look forward to the collaboration of Demna and Stefano as they lead Gucci into a new era of success,” she continued.

Many may remember that not too long ago Demna got his feet wet at the iconic Florentine house, working on the 2021 Hacker Project, which blended Balenciaga and Gucci iconography. However, Kering stockholders are showing that they may not be as confident in Demna as Kering’s C-Suite. Often a polarizing a figure in the industry, the Georgian designer is known for his tongue-in-cheek spectacles and fusion of normcore and avant-garde sensibilities. On Friday, it was reported that Kering shares fell by 12% following the announcement, with analysts calling Demna a “risky pick for much larger label Gucci with its reputation for timeless elegance.”

Donatella Versace Steps Down as Versace Designer After Almost 30 Years

After nearly thirty years at the helm of her brother’s brand, Donatella Versace announced that she will depart from her design role. Former Miu Miu designer Dario Vitale will take the helm as she begins her role as a chief brand ambassador.

Donatella has been the lead designer of Versace since her brother Gianni, who founded the brand, was killed in 1997. In a statement, Donatella said “It has been the greatest honour of my life to carry on my brother Gianni’s legacy. He was the true genius, but I hope I have some of his spirit and tenacity,” noting that she is “excited to see Versace through new eyes.”

The news comes as Prada Group inches closer to closing a deal to acquire Versace from its parent Capri Holdings Ltd. Last week, the Prada Group agreed to a price of almost €1.5 billion EUR ($1.6 billion USD) for Versace, and the two could reach a deal by the end of this month. Since Capri Holdings acquired Versace in 2018, the brand’s performance has become increasingly unstable with its latest financial report citing a 28.2% decline in quarterly revenue.

Simone Bellotti Named Creative Director of Jil Sander

Earlier this year, Jil Sander creative director duo Luke and Lucie Meier stepped down from the quiet luxury pioneer, opening the floor for the appointment of Simone Bellotti, who was announced as the brand’s new creative lead this week. Bellotti had departed from Bally after occupying the creative director role for only two years, a move that was coincidentally mirrored by his predecessor Rhuigi Villaseñor of Rhude.

Chairman of the OTB Group Renzo Rosso said “Simone embarks on this journey with extensive experience and a distinct talent. Over the time spent together we shared the strategic vision and mission for Jil Sander, the values of innovation and sophistication that make it an iconic and unique brand,” in an official statement. Before Bally, Bellotti completed a 16-year tenure at Gucci, and has senior design positions at Bottega Veneta and Gianfranco Ferré.

On the appointment Bellotti said “I am incredibly honored to join Jil Sander, a storied house that created a new aesthetic with its unique approach and strong identity, and that has always had such a significant influence on the design community. I am grateful to Renzo for the trust, and I am keen to contribute to the house’s full potential.”

Was Loewe FW25 A Lovely Goodbye?

Rumours of an eventual departure from Loewe by creative director Jonathan Anderson have been further amplified by more signals this past Paris Fashion Week. Loewe opted out of the runway calendar to showcase a co-ed salon presentation inside Karl Lagerfeld’s former historic home on Rue de l’Université.

At the time, Anderson also posted a highlight style Instagram reel that reviewed some of his most iconic designs in his decade-long tenure. Further prompting speculation, the designer’s namesake JW Anderson label also forewent London Fashion Week, despite strong anticipation for the brand’s presence. As of the time of writing, Jonathan Anderson’s departure from Loewe remains a rumor and has not been confirmed by the brand.

Bode Opens a Grand Paris Flagship

American designer label Bode has put down roots in Paris with a new boutique designed by founder Emily Bode’s partner Aaron Aujla of Green River Project. The brick-and-mortar space is the brand’s first foreign outpost, boasting 2500 sqft and situated on rue de Valois near the Rick Owens Paris flagship.

Bode, an LVMH Prize recipient and two-time CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year, has continued to expand its influence, guided by an ethos of craft-forward Americana. “We have enough of a footing through our retail partners overseas that we know that there’s interest,” Bode said of the brand’s international retail expansion. “I’m a firm believer in retail and what that can do for business. The best expression of the brand is our retail environments — the sights, the smells, the way it’s decorated, the way it’s merchandised, the way our staff wears it.”

Wales Bonner Drops First Standalone Womenswear Collection for FW25

Grace Wales Bonner has unveiled her namesake brand’s first-ever women’s-focussed collection, expanding upon the romantically tailored elements in her FW25 men’s collection. Tailored pieces stand out such as tuxedo jackets worn without shirting, pleated trousers paired with a leather-trimmed cardigan, and a duffel jacket-inspired leather shift dress. Wales Bonner‘s signature Mary Jane and tracksuit are reprised, with the latter in brown and orange, complementing a macrame dress knitted with the same hues.

Standout designs include a cavalry coat with satin contrast and brass buttons, in collaboration with Savile Row’s Anderson & Sheppard. Elsewhere a graphic tee features photography by Moneta Sleet Jr., courtesy of The Black Image Corporation. Though characterized by traditional womenswear silhouettes, the collection borrows from Wales Bonner’s signature menswear lexicon, blending the two in elegant harmony.

Liverpool FC Leaves Nike to Reunite with adidas in Five-Year Kit Deal

Ending its Nike deal, Liverpool FC is joining forces with adidas once again for a five-year partnership set to begin in the 2025/26 season. adidas will supply uniforms, training gear, and official merchandise across all Liverpool FC divisions, including men’s, women’s, and youth teams, marking the third time the British club taps adidas for its official kits.

“Liverpool is one of the most iconic clubs in world football, and we’re honored to equip the players with cutting-edge technology,” says Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden. Having partnered in 1985-1996 and 2006-2012, adidas was present for some of Liverpool FC’s most memorable eras. Their first official kit will be unveiled on August 1, 2025.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast