2025 has been a whirlwind in the fashion industry.

Here is a verified 2025-fashion-news recap of major leadership changes — Anna Wintour, Donatella Versace, Giorgio Armani, and Leena Nair:

1. Anna Wintour steps back from American Vogue (June 2025)

June 26th, 2025, Wintour announced she would step down as editor-in-chief of American Vogue. 

She continues as Vogue’s Global Editorial Director and as Condé Nast’s Global Chief Content Officer. 

Background & career: Born 3 November 1949 in London.  Began her career in fashion journalism in the 1970s, worked at Harper’s Bazaar, New York Magazine, and eventually became editor-in-chief of Vogue in 1988.  She is widely credited with transforming Vogue into a global cultural force, reshaping the Met Gala, and helping define celebrity red-carpet style. 

Successor: Chloe Malle was appointed Head of Editorial Content for American Vogue, officially announced September 1-2, 2025.  Malle (born around 1986-1987, age 39 in 2025) has worked at Vogue since 2011, including as editor of Vogue.com and co-host of The Run-Through, Vogue’s podcast.  Commentary on the transition suggests continuity: Wintour retains global oversight, while Malle brings fresh energy and digital fluency to the U.S. edition. 

2. Donatella Versace steps down as Versace creative head (March 2025)

March 13th, 2025, Capri Holdings announced that Donatella Versace would step down as Chief Creative Officer (or main designer) of Versace. 

She becomes a global ambassador for the brand. 

Background & career: Donatella Versace is the sister of designer Gianni Versace, who founded the brand. After Gianni Versace’s murder in 1997, Donatella became the driving creative force behind the label and its public face.  She has overseen Versace’s aesthetic for nearly three decades, becoming one of the most recognizable leaders in luxury fashion, combining high glamour with strong celebrity visibility.  Her tenure has coincided with Versace’s growth into a major global luxury brand, including its acquisition by Capri Holdings. 

Successor: Dario Vitale was named Creative Director of Versace starting in April 2025.  Vitale, born in 1983 near Naples, studied at Istituto Marangoni and worked at Dsquared2, Bottega Veneta, and Miu Miu before being tapped to lead Versace’s creative direction.  His appointment marks a generational change, with observers noting that Versace is looking for a younger designer to refresh the brand’s aesthetic. 

3. Giorgio Armani dies (September 4, 2025)

September 4, 2025, at age 91, Giorgio Armani dies.

Background & career: Born 11 July 1934 in Piacenza, Italy.  After early work with the fashion house Cerruti, he founded his own label in 1975, revolutionizing menswear and womenswear with minimalist, deconstructed tailoring and clean, elegant silhouettes.  Armani became a global luxury empire, expanding far beyond ready-to-wear into accessories, perfumes, interior design, hotels, and hospitality.  Known for his understated “power suit,” celebrity red-carpet dressing, and a business model that privileged creative control and empire-building without selling out.  He had no children, and governance of the company was kept tightly within family and close collaborators.  In 2025, he had been absent from Milan Fashion Week due to declining health. 

Succession / legacy: Armani’s fashion shows in Milan (Emporio Armani and Giorgio Armani) were reported to go ahead as scheduled later in September 2025.  Management is expected to continue under a foundation and family representatives: notably his nieces Silvana and Roberta Armani, and his sister Rosanna are cited as being involved in the governance of the Armani business after his death.  His will reportedly places control of the company in the Giorgio Armani Foundation, created in 2016, intended to preserve the designer’s legacy and keep the business independent. 

4. Leena Nair as CEO of Chanel (already in place by 2025)

Leena Nair became Global Chief Executive Officer of Chanel in January 2022. As of 2025, she remains in that role and was honored with the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in mid-2025 for her leadership in the retail and consumer sector. 

Background & career: Born 11 June 1969 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. Spent around 20 years at Unilever, rising to become Chief Human Resources Officer.  Known for a human-centered leadership style and strong focus on sustainability, diversity, and long-term brand building.  Her leadership at Chanel is seen as a move to bring progressive, people- and values-oriented management to a traditional luxury fashion house. 

Successor: None yet — as of mid-2025, Leena Nair continues to serve as Global CEO of Chanel. No announcement of succession has been made.