Quick — who’s the creative director of Gucci? If you answered Alessandro Michelle, well darling, we’re here to help. If you answered Tom Ford, uh…we hope you’re feeling refreshed after that thirty year nap!
You can accuse the fashion industry of many things. Being uneventful is not one of them. Whether it’s the constant game of musical chairs between creative directors at luxury fashion houses—at the time of writing, Matthieu Blazy (formerly of Bottega Veneta) succeeds Virginie Viard at Chanel, Michael Rider takes the reins at Celine from Hedi Slimane, and Haider Ackermann is heir to the Tom Ford throne (don’t worry, the man himself is alive and well!)—or the seemingly endless slew of collaborations and crossovers (Louis Vuitton and Murakami, anyone?), it can be difficult to stay abreast of all the fashion industry news.
To prevent you from having to smile and nod politely while resigning yourself to take a sneaky bathroom trip to google who exactly the new creative director at Bottega Veneta is, which car company Kith (or Aime Leon Dore, for that matter!) is collaborating with or precisely what ‘Andiamo’ means in Italian next time you’re making small talk at a cocktail party, we’ve curated all the fashion news you need to know in easily digestible bite-sized pieces.
Welcome to On Thread, our monthly fashion news series detailing all the important fashion industry moves, collections, and collaborations you need to know about.
January 2025 fashion news
Herewith, the fashion news you need to know in January 2025.
Kim Jones honoured with a Légion d’Honneur…before stepping down from his role at Dior


Earlier this week Kim Jones, artistic director of menswear at Dior, was awarded the insignia of Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur, France’s highest accolade. Jones was presented with the honour by Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue, at a ceremony in Paris.
As of the 31st of January 2025, Kim Jones has stepped down from his post as artistic director of menswear at Dior, a role he has held since 2018.
“It was a true honour to have been able to create my collections within the House of Dior, a symbol of absolute excellence,” said Jones in a statement. “I express my deep gratitude to my studio and the ateliers who have accompanied me on this wonderful journey. They have brought my creations to life. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the artists and friends I have met through my collaborations. Lastly, I feel sincere gratitude towards Bernard and Delphine Arnault, who have given me their full support.”
Tiffany & Co. adds new Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams pieces




Tiffany & Co. has expanded its Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams lineup, with the third phase of the collaborative collection introducing Tahitian pearls into the mix. Acting as a darker, yet equally luminescent counterpart to the yellow gold and freshwater pearl designs that debuted last year, the latest offering sees lustrous gray Tahitian pearls paired with rose gold and pavé diamonds, with Pharrell Williams’ signature trident motif a constant throughout the collection. The new Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams Tahitian pearl designs come in five distinct styles; a pendant, earrings, necklace, bracelet, and ring.
Explore the Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams collection via Tiffany & Co.
Giorgio Armani celebrates two decades of elegance at Armani Privé






Armani Privé celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and Giorgio Armani has proven once again, that elegance never loses its allure.
“These twenty years of Privé have been a liberating journey, one that continues to satisfy me both creatively and from a business perspective, which is never a secondary aspect,” Giorgio Armani following the collection presentation. “Haute Couture has allowed me to explore a different side of my style, one that is both complementary and alternative to prêt-à-porter, yet unified by the search for a timeless, linear and high-end signature style. I would describe these years as the story of another Armani—freer and more glittering—but still unmistakably the Armani that everyone knows.”






“More glittering” is indeed an apt descriptor for the Armani Privé SS25 Couture collection. Titled ‘Lumières’, the 94-look haute couture collection translates a multitude of influences into a cohesive and unfailingly elevated lineup. The collection name means ‘lights’ and nods to the sense of lightness and fluidity that permeates every Armani Privé collection. Here, it’s courtesy of gauzy tulle, liquid silks, sheer mesh, and iridescent plisse, as well as a colour palette defined by pale pinks, golds, silvers, grays, and blues.
Speaking to the well-travelled woman, designer Giorgio Armani seeks inspiration from “the shapes and colours of China, the landscapes of Polynesia transformed into prints and embroideries with delicate watercolour softness, the opulence of India, the linear elegance of Japan, and the decorum of northern Africa, all rendered with an intangible, barely perceptible lightness, like a brushstroke of light.”
Explore the Armani Privé SS25 Couture collection via Armani.
Fendi kicks off its centenary celebrations by celebrating the new Peekaboo Soft


This year, Fendi celebrates its 100th anniversary. The Italian luxury fashion house has commenced its birthday proceedings by celebrating the newest addition to its lineup, the Peekaboo Soft. The latest iteration of the house’s iconic Peekaboo silhouette which made its debut in 2009, the Peekaboo Soft Small and Mini retain the same trapezoidal silhouette, supple leather construction, and signature ‘smile’ opening of the original, albeit in a softer, more louche form. Conceived by Silvia Venturini Fendi, the Peekaboo Soft taps into the structured yet slouchy handbag trend we’ve been seeing lately.
The Peekaboo Soft is highlighted in a new campaign video shot by film director Emir Eralp in Fendi’s home of Rome, set to the electrifying sounds of Swedish band Little Dragon.
Explore the Peekaboo Soft via Fendi.
Louis Vuitton is the official title partner of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix


Louis Vuitton has been named the official title partner of Formula 1’s Australian Grand Prix, now titled the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix 2025. The news follows the signing of a decade-long contract appointing LVMH the global partner of Formula 1.
Roger Vivier Pièce Unique SS25 translates Parisian architecture into wearable works of art








Roger Vivier has unveiled its latest Pièce Unique collection. Designed by creative director Gherardo Felloni, the collection uses the maison’s Efflorescence Jewel Handle bag as a canvas to pay homage to iconic Parisian architecture such as the Arc de Triomphe, Grand Palais, and Louvre. Rather than a literal interpretation, Felloni translates the minute details and the inherent geometric patterns present in monument to seven handbags and three gilets, each brought to life by handcrafted embroidery featuring zardozi gold thread and beading atop a satin base.
Clare Waight Keller’s UNIQLO : C Autumn/Winter collection set to debut next month




Uniqlo has announced the impending arrival of its UNIQLO : C AW25 collection. Conceived by British designer Clare Waight Keller, the UNIQLO : C AW25 comprises a series of contemporary cooler weather essentials and has already enjoyed a successful release in the northern hemisphere. The UNIQLO : C AW25 collection comprises womenswear and menswear, marking the first time the line has included the latter. Largely inspired by the Barbican Centre—one of London’s most iconic works of architecture—the collection is defined by its use of statement silhouettes, contrasting textures, and a classic colour palette.
Explore the UNIQLO : C collection via Uniqlo.
Alessandro Michele attempts to simultaneously tame and celebrate chaos for debut Valentino Haute Couture collection
For his haute couture debut at Valentino, Alessandro Michele appeared to grapple with the stifling nature of complete creative freedom. While the concepts might seem at odds with one another, a lack of constraints coupled with infinite resources (not to mention the eyes of the entire fashion world firmly locked in), can paradoxically lead to decision paralysis. With the entire Valentino archive, the maison’s creative teams, and centuries of fashion history at his disposal, where to next?






Rather than using his inaugural Valentino haute couture to define a wholly new sartorial lexicon for the future, Michele appears to attempt to make sense of and embrace the chaos of the multivarious nature of fashion history that has come before. For his show epigraph, Michele cites a quote from Italian semiologist Umberto Eco about the significance of lists in culture, art, and literature, and their inherent duality; both creating order and invoking disorientation.






With that in mind, the Valentino Haute Couture SS25—titled ‘Vertigineux’—acts as a 48-look catalogue of historically significant garments and cultural moments; each sieved through Michele’s singular brain membrane and painstakingly rendered by Valentino’s couturiers (with many looks featuring handiwork taking upwards of 1000 hours). A veritable melange of time periods and (formerly) topical references, Vertigineux sees Michele bring back the pannier (party like it’s 1750!), with cake dresses sitting alongside slinky drop-waist flapper gowns.
In a time of continuous change, Vertigineux is a fitting rumination on what’s been and how it will translate into what’s to come, all viewed through the discombobulation of the creative mind.
Veja & Bimba Y Lola team up to reimagine the Venturi II




Bimba Y Lola has lent its playful style to Veja’s Venturi II silhouette. The duo has reimagined the Venturi II in two distinct colourways; neutral and green. Both colourways feature leather uppers in neutral tones overlaid with either sand or green suede panels on the toe box, throat and tongue, and heel counter, with an additional dark brown suede label with the Bimba Y Lola on the heel.
Explore the Veja x Bimba Y Lola Venturi II sneakers via Bimba Y Lola.
Prada promotes ocean literacy with National Geographic




Prada has teamed up with National Geographic on a series of short documentaries exploring Prada Re-Nylon and its positive impact on aquatic habitats and their interrelated communities. The third instalment sees Benedict Cumberbatch and Sadie Sink explore Norway and Mexico, respectively, taking viewers under the surface of the ocean and into the local ecosystems.
Watch the documentaries via Prada.
Christian Louboutin unveils Lunar New Year capsule collection




Christian Louboutin welcomes the Lunar New Year with a capsule collection spanning shoes, handbags, and accessories. The colour red is one inextricably linked to both Christian Louboutin (red bottoms, anyone?) and traditional Chinese culture; in the latter, red symbolises good fortune, passion, happiness, and hope. The Christian Louboutin Lunar New Year capsule collection sees silhouettes like the Miss Z, Astroloubi, and Loubouitwist clutch splashed with red, with the accompanying campaign fronted by global brand ambassador Yang Mi.
Dior set to present its Fall 2025 collection in Kyoto, Japan


Dior has confirmed its Fall 2025 presentation will take place in Kyoto. A celebration of the maison’s longstanding connection with the Land of the Rising Sun, a country that has captivated founder Christian Dior and his successors, the Dior Fall 2025 show by Maria Grazia Chiuri will be held in the garden of Toji.
Gracie Abrams fronts Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2025 pre-collection campaign




After having worn Chanel to the Grammy Awards and the Met Gala, Gracie Abrams has been named a new ambassador of the maison. The singer-songwriter has inaugurated her ambassadorship by starring in Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2025 pre-collection campaign. Directed by Sofia Coppola and shot by Craig McDean, the campaign spans campaign combines photography, music, and film, and represents a contemporary take on the Chanel universe. In this world, Abrams is the protagonist, with the film nodding to several of Coppola’s characters. Chanel signatures are interpreted through a casual lens; tweed jackets paired with jeans, denim interwoven with chain jewellery, and leather features a reworked quilted effect which extends beyond bags and onto jackets.
The Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami collab serves y2k realness




Party like it’s 2004! Two decades on from their era-defining collaboration (seriously, it was impossible to enter a high school without seeing at least three knockoffs), French luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton has linked up with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their original collaboration. At the heart of the collaboration is Murkami’s reworked Monogram Multicolore, which sees the interlocking LV and floral patterns rendered in 33 vibrant shades. The first chapter of the collaboration sees the Monogram Multicolore feature against a white background on the maison’s The Dauphine Soft, The OnTheGo, The Venice, The Speedy 25, and The Alma BB bags, as well as small leather goods, trunks, and accessories including belts, wallets, sunglasses, and silk carrés. There are also options that see the Monogram Multicore appear on a black background on The OnTheGo and The Speedy 30 Soft bags, as well as small leather goods, footwear, and accessories.
Meanwhile, Takashi Murakami’s whimsical Superflat Panda character also makes an appearance on select bags and small leather goods. The collaboration extends into the olfactory realm, with the Superflat Garden and joyful Superflat Panda motifs appearing on the Attrape-Rêves and Imagination bottles.
Explore the Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami collaboration via Louis Vuitton.
Saint Laurent gives its Miami flagship a modernist makeover




Saint Laurent has updated its Miami flagship, bestowing the two-level boutique with a sleek, modernist makeover. Clean lines are rendered in raw materials, with rough concrete sitting alongside brown spider, giallo siena, black cosmic, and blue lumen marbles. Womenswear, menswear, leather goods, and fine jewellery are housed in the boutique, with two VIP rooms offering a more intimate shopping experience upstairs. The lower and upper levels are connected by a monolithic black staircase, while an eclectic curation of vintage furniture lends the space a residential feel. Expect to find mid-century pieces by the likes of Pierre Jeanneret, Carlo and Afra Scarpa, Mario Botta, Gaetano Pesce, Jorge Zalszupin, Charles and Ray Eames, George Nakashima, and Paul Poiret.
Tiffany & Co. releases a duo of Year of the Snake designs




Luxury jewellery house Tiffany & Co. welcomes the Lunar New Year with a trio of elegant designs. The first is a lock pendant that features handset rubies—red being an auspicious colour and representing good luck, success, and happiness—which forms part of Tiffany & Co.’s Tiffany Lock collection, which is inspired by a brooch given by a husband to his wife in 1883. The latter two designs sit within the Elsa Peretti Snake collection; a rose gold bracelet and ring with diamond accents, both depicting a coiled snake.
Explore the Lunar New Year designs via Tiffany & Co.
The Loewe x On Cloudtilt 2.0 is back




Loewe and On are back on. The Spanish luxury fashion house and the Swiss athletic brand are continuing their ongoing collaboration. The duo have refreshed their co-designed Cloudtilt 2.0 sneaker in a refreshed colour palette. First introduced in May 2024, the collaborative sneaker features a multi-layer upper composed of performance mesh and woven textiles, alongside further enhancements on the original Cloudtilt style, including rubber toe-guards for improved durability, extra padding on the tongue and shoe collar, and a branded heel loop. The new colour palette takes on a largely neutral tone, with the Loewe x On Cloudtilt 2.0 now available in white, white/khaki green, white/orange, and white/navy.
Explore the Loewe x On Cloudtilt 2.0 via Loewe.
Chanel releases Coco Crush campaign starring Blackpink’s Jennie




Chanel has expanded its Coco Crush fine jewellery collection, introducing a slew of new designs across key product categories like rings, earrings, bangles, necklaces, and bracelets. For the first time, rubies have been introduced into the Coco Crush lineup, with both the red gemstones and diamonds sitting alongside the collection’s signature quilted gold designs, which reference the maison’s iconic quilted handbags. The accompanying campaign stars Blackpink’s Jennie, alongside models Amelia Gray Hamlin and Mona Tougaard.
Explore Coco Crush via Chanel.
Dior takes the Toujours bag in a new direction (vertical!)




The Dior Toujours bag is characterised by its curved form, crafted from supple quilted leather with cannage topstiching. Traditionally, the silhouette has taken on an east-west silhouette, however the maison has switched up proportions with the Vertical Tourjours. The vertically oriented silhouette does away with the zipper of the original, instead seeing a spacious internal compartment secured by a strap with a CD lock clasp on the inside and a lace-through strap that drapes around the top.
Explore the Toujours Vertical bag via Dior.
Jimmy Choo debuts Diamond Flex Trainer




British luxury brand Jimmy Choo has started the year on a relaxed note with the unveiling of the Diamond Flex sneaker. An evolution of the brand’s Diamond sneaker, the silhouette is designed with comfort in mind. A flexible, lightweight sole forms the foundation of each sneaker, with the low-top silhouette available in a variety of styles including black, latte, metallic silver, and ruby red leather, as well as leopard print calf hair.
Explore the Diamond Flex sneaker via Jimmy Choo.
Ralph Lauren receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom


Ralph Lauren was honoured with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The American designer was personally bestowed with the medal by United States President Joe Biden in a ceremony held in Washington, D.C., marking one of the outgoing president’s final acts in office. The Presidential Medal of Freedom honours individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States and is the nation’s highest civilian honour. Throughout a career spanning over half a century, Ralph Lauren and his eponymous brand have played a crucial role in shaping and influencing American style, leaving an indelible sartorial and cultural mark.
Words by Esmé Duggan and Arabella Johnson