The year 2025 will be remembered asa period of profound transformation, marked by both exciting break throughs and significant challenges that recalibrated the global fashion industry’s landscape. From epoch-making changes in leadership at legacy publications and iconic European luxury houses to the triumphant celebration of African design and the return of a beloved cinematic fashion film, the industry experienced an earthquake of change. The ripple effects of these developments are already being felt and will continue to shape the industry’s trajectory for years to come.
The changing of the guard at Vogue:
A truly historic event was the announcement that DameAnna Wintour would be relinquishing her decades-long role as the editor-in-chief of Vogue US. Wintour’s tenure has been nothing short of revolutionary, her vision making an indelible, unmatched contribution to the “fashion bible”and solidifying her status as one of the most powerful figures in 20th and 21st-century fashion media. While the move signals a shift in the daily operational control of the magazine, her continued presence within the publishing house — remaining as Vogue’s Global Editorial Director and Condé Nast’s Chief Content Officer — suggests her influence will not vanish entirely.The crucial day-to-day running of the prestigious title has been passed to Chloe Malle, who previously served as editor of Vogue.com. As Malle steps into these enormous shoes, the industry’s critical eye remains fixed on her.But, as Wintour enthused, Malle has proven that she can balance Vogue’s “long, singular history and its future on the front lines of the new.”
Pioneering inclusivity in European luxury:
Another monumental step toward greater diversity and inclusion was taken by Hermès with the appointment ofBritish designer Grace Wales Bonner as its new creative director. This decision is particularly significant, as Bonner be comes the first woman of colour to hold this esteemed position in the French luxury house’s history.Her appointment is a powerful sign of progress, indicating that European luxury brands are finally beginning to take tangible steps toward addressing equality in the industry. Despite the overall shake-up and shuffling of numerous creative director positions across the major houses, only a handful of women — and even fewer women of colour — were appointed to lead these behemoth brands.
A fond farewell and anticipated new chapter:
The fashion world also bid farewell to an influential figure at one of Paris’s most glamorous houses as Olivier Rousteing exited Balmain after a remarkable14-year tenure. Rousteing’s direction revitalised the illustrious house, making it synonymous with an energetic, modern aesthetic deeply rooted in diversity and powered by a savvy social media strategy that coined the viral term, the “Balmain Army.”His departure marks the end of a transformative era, leaving the industry excited to see what the celebrated designer will undertake next.
Turbulence in the SouthAfrican fashion scene:
On the local front, a significant and largely unexpected announcement was the hiatus of SA Fashion Week (SAFW)for the upcoming Spring/Summer 2026 season. SAFW has been critical and prominent fixture on the South African fashion calendar, serving as one of the few platforms dedicated to showcasing the collections of designers both locally and the broader Africa to a global audience.Its absence is a considerable blow, not least because of the vital role itsDesigner Search competitions played in identifying, nurturing, and spotlighting the future generation of emerging local fashion talent. Their strategic pause is a recalibration of the previous fashion week model and a deeper understanding of what the needs of our current fashion landscape are.
Celebrating a decade of Thebe Magugu:
Amid the structural changes within the industry, South Africa’s celebrated luxury fashion designer Thebe Magugu reached a huge personal and brand milestone with the 10th anniversary of his label. Magugu, who secured global recognition by winning the prestigiousLVMH Young Fashion Designers Prize in 2019, further cemented his status asa national treasure.To commemorate this anniversary, an exciting new venture was announced:the launch of The Thebe Magugu Suite in collaboration with the iconic Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town.This reimagined, two-person retreat, nestled along Palm Avenue, is a first for the luxury hotel. It offers guests an immersive, high-comfort experience within a space steeped in rich textures, bespoke wallpaper and a curated collection of artworks that celebrate South African culture, contemplation and exceptional design.Magugu continued his international ascent by designing his first-ever haute couture garment for the Met Gala’s exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring BlackStyle”. The exquisite piece was worn by American heiress Ivy Getty from the prominent Getty family, placing his work firmly on the highest global stage.
The return of a fashion cinematic classic:
Excitement peaked with the announcement of the much-anticipated sequel to The Devil Wears Prada — one of the most iconic fashion films ever made.The film is slated for a 2026 release, and all signs point to it being a major box-office success. The original beloved cast have reprised their iconic roles, with Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs, supplemented by several new additions.Sneak peeks from the set, where the cast was seen filming on the streets of NewYork, fuelled the hype.The most electrifying moment for fans was seeing Meryl Streep, back as the formidable Miranda Priestly, sitting front row at the SS26 Dolce & Gabbana show. Close by her side was her long-time trusted companion, Nigel, played by the exceptional Stanley Tucci.
The Met Gala: A celebration of Black style:
The Met Gala theme for 2025 was a significant and long-overdue exhibition, titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”The Costume Institute took the Black dandy as its subject, dissecting the importance of clothing and style to the formation of Black identities in theAtlantic diaspora. Notably, this was only the second time since 2003 that the MetGala’s exhibition focused specifically on men’s fashion.True to the event’s stature, theGala served as a powerful platform to highlight and celebrate the profound impact and enduring contribution of Black individuals throughout the history of fashion. The event’s organising committee reflected the theme’s core message, composed of prominent Black personalities that included sports iconLewis Hamilton, Emmy-winning actorColman Domingo and many others including our own pop sensation, Tyla. Funding came from various sources, with one significant contribution coming from Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe and African Fashion International.
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