The Shortest Creative Director Tenures Ever
In light of Dario Vitale’s sudden departure at Versace, we’re looking back at other unexpectedly brief creative director stays.
The never-ending game of creative director musical chairs lives on. This morning, the fashion world was once again shaken by news that Dario Vitale will be stepping down as creative director of Versace after less than a year in the role. Vitale joined the house in April 2025, taking over from Donatella Versace, who had helmed the brand since 1997. The announcement—arriving just days after the Prada Group formally completed its acquisition of the brand—was described as a “mutual decision” between the designer and the house’s new parent company
Despite his short stay, Vitale’s debut (and only) Versace collection had been widely praised. Critics enjoyed how the Spring 2026 line honoured the house’s archival sense of glamour, from bold prints that nodded to Gianni Versace’s reign to structured tailoring and maximalist accessories.
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Versace Spring 2026 by Dario Vitale
Vitale’s brief tenure now joins a growing pattern of fleeting creative appointments. From sudden exits to seasonal departures, several of the most celebrated houses have seen major shifts within tight timeframes in recent years. Below, we revisit four other famously short creative director stints.
Walter Chiapponi at Blumarine
Four months
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Blumarine Fall 2024 by Walter Chiapponi
When Walter Chiapponi stepped into the creative director role at Blumarine in November 2023, he brought a slightly more serious take to the house’s early‑aughts-inspired style. For his singular Fall 2024 collection, models with exaggerated dark under-eye circles somberly walked the runway in cheetah prints, camisole slip dresses and brightly coloured separates—a striking juxtaposition to the brand’s usual playful and light aesthetic. Chiapponi’s tenure ended abruptly in March 2024, leaving behind a brief but memorable imprint on Blumarine’s legacy.
Ludovic de Saint Sernin at Ann Demeulemeester
6 Months
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Ann Demeulemeester Fall 2023 by Ludovic de Saint Sernin
Ludovic de Saint Sernin took the helm of Ann Demeulemeester in December 2022 and presented just one collection before his departure in May 2023. However, his Fall 2023 show made major waves within the industry as fans largely enjoyed the darker, moodier and more sensual direction he was beginning to take the brand in, with pieces like sheer, genderless dresses and chest-baring gowns. Plus, de Saint Sernin was responsible for the forever-iconic feather top, which Hunter Schafer famously wore at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscars after-party, and for that alone, he’s earned a permanent spot in fashion’s history books.
Peter Hawkings at Tom Ford
15 Months
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Tom Ford Spring 2024 by Peter Hawkings
A longtime collaborator of Tom Ford, Peter Hawkings stepped into the creative director role for the house in April 2023 after Ford sold his label to Estée Lauder Companies. During his tenure, he presented two collections, both marked by sleek tailoring, rich textures and the kind of precise, understated glamour that has long defined Tom Ford. However, in July 2024, Hawkings stepped down, making his time at the house surprisingly brief despite the widespread praise he received for his two shows.
Peter Do at Helmut Lang
20 Months
Photography via launchmetrics/spotlight
Helmut Lang Spring 2024 by Peter Do
Given his reputation for sharp tailoring and modern minimalism, Peter Do joined Helmut Lang in March 2023 under considerable anticipation for an attempted rebrand of the then-dormant label. His debut Spring 2024 show attempted to re‑interpret the house’s quiet, urban edge for a new generation with fine suiting, carefully placed pops of colour and bold messaging. A second collection followed in Fall 2024, which was also met with mixed reviews and Do’s departure was announced shortly afterwards in November 2024.
Stephanie Davoli is the editorial assistant at FASHION Magazine. With a passion for all things fashion, beauty and pop culture, she’s inspired by fashion psychology, sustainability and industry innovations. Her previous bylines include The Toronto Star, Chatelaine and The Quality Edit. When she’s not working, you can find her shopping, taking a Pilates class or combing through the Vogue archives.
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