Chiuri leaves Dior, joining a growing list of high-profile global fashion exits

BY  THOMAS ADAMSON

SharePARIS (AP) — Maria Grazia Chiuri, the first woman to lead Dior’s women’s collections, announced Thursday she is stepping down as creative director after nine years at the storied French fashion house — the latest sign of mounting pressure and ongoing creative turnover at the top of the fashion industry.
The Italian designer confirmed her long-rumored departure in an Instagram post, capping a transformative era defined by bold feminist messaging, record sales and industry-defining collections.
“I am particularly grateful for the work accomplished by my teams and the ateliers. Their talent and expertise allowed me to realize my vision of committed women’s fashion, in close dialogue with several generations of female artists,″ Chiuri wrote. “Together, we have written a remarkable and impactful chapter, of which I am immensely proud.”
Chiuri, 60, leaves behind a legacy that reshaped Dior’s creative direction and broadened its global appeal. Since her arrival in 2016, she steered Dior through a golden era of commercial and cultural success. Revenue reportedly rose by nearly $8 billion from 2017 to 2023 as Chiuri’s vision of empowered femininity resonated with a new generation of clients.

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Fashion trends for fall: Big shoulders, even bigger coats and a color story to dye forThe house itself credited Chiuri with nothing less than redefining “the identity and femininity of the Dior woman, celebrated and reimagined the iconic heritage and savoir-faire.”


Delphine Arnault, the LVMH executive who oversees Dior, paid tribute to Chiuri’s “tremendous work with an inspiring feminist perspective and exceptional creativity, all imbued with the spirit of Monsieur Dior.” Chiuri, Arnault added, not only designed “highly desirable collections” but “has written a key chapter in the history of Christian Dior” — a chapter that will forever be marked by the milestone of her being the first woman to lead the women’s collections.
Chiuri’s debut for Spring 2017 made headlines with “We Should All Be Feminists” T-shirts, declaring a new era for Dior. She brought activism to the runway, collaborating with artists like Judy Chicago and Faith Ringgold. She revived icons such as the Saddle Bag and made space for women’s voices, drawing on Dior’s past while rewriting its aesthetic.
Chiuri departs as the first woman to lead Dior since its founding in 1947, having redefined the house’s codes and opened the door to a new chapter at one of fashion’s most influential brands. Her exit comes amid a broader wave of creative upheaval across the industry. Pierpaolo Piccioli, her former co-creative director at Valentino, was recently named artistic director of Balenciaga — after Alessandro Michele, known for his maximalist, gender-fluid reinvention of Gucci, was appointed to succeed Piccioli at Valentino in 2024.
Meanwhile, Matthieu Blazy, who stepped down from Bottega Veneta last year, will debut at Chanel this fall, succeeding Virginie Viard — whose unceremonious departure shocked the industry.
The recent round of high-profile exits and appointments has amounted to fashion’s most dramatic game of musical chairs in years — and it’s giving the industry whiplash.
The moves reflect a period of transition for major fashion houses as they adapt to shifting consumer expectations, slower luxury growth, and the demands of a digital-first market. At least half a dozen top houses have changed creative leadership in the past year alone — a sign of the mounting pressure on designers to deliver both artistic vision and commercial results in an increasingly unstable landscape.
Chiuri’s shows spanned continents, from Mumbai to Kyoto, each celebrating craft and community. But for her final collection, Resort 2026, Chiuri returned home to Rome — staging the show at Villa Torlonia, enveloping her guests in ritual white, and invoking the spirit of Italian cinema with a film by Matteo Garrone. The choice of her native city, paired with the all-white dress code, signaled a deliberate full-circle moment; an intimate farewell and a subtle hint that Chiuri was preparing to close her chapter at Dior.
Dior has not yet named a successor, but speculation centers on Jonathan Anderson, who recently took over Dior’s men’s collections.

Art Patron and Philanthropist Shalini Passi Shone at Cannes 2025
Cannes, France — Celebrated art patron, philanthropist, and creative force Shalini 
Passi made her mark on the global stage with her much-anticipated appearance at 
the Cannes Film Festival 2025. As an influential figure championing the arts, design, 
and social change, Passi graced some of the most exclusive and high-profile events 
on the festival’s calendar.
Her Cannes itinerary reflected her multifaceted persona — a blend of art, fashion, 
culture, and advocacy:
Chopard Annual Dinner and Love Party
Date: 16th May, 2025
A beacon of glamour, Passi joined global icons at Chopard’s legendary celebration of 
luxury and cinema.
Personal Wardrobe  
Dress: @nourfathallah @ornelyscouture @medianissafinest
Bag: @judithleiberindia @judithleiberny @giorgiaviolacom
Jewellery: @h.ajoomal

FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS UNVEILS NEW GLOBAL BRAND CAMPAIGN – FAIRMONT PRESENTS “MAKE SPECIAL HAPPEN” – 
A CINEMATIC TRIBUTE TO THE BRAND’S HERITAGE AS STORIED CELEBRATORS
Campaign Launches in Tandem with New Collection of Bookable Experiences Enabling Guests to ‘Make Special Happen’ Every Day at Fairmont Hotels 

​World-renowned luxury hospitality brand, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, today reveals its new global brand campaign, Fairmont Presents ”Make Special Happen”. Paying homage to the brand’s centurion heritage as host to some of the world’s most storied celebrations and history-making moments, as well as its legacy with the silver screen, the creative tells the story of the build-up to a grand celebration, capturing how Fairmont colleagues and guests come together to “Make Special Happen”. The resulting campaign is Fairmont at its most captivating, elevating the art of making every moment a celebration. 
Developed by King & Partners, the new campaign was directed by award-winning filmmaker Jean Claude Thibaut, and shot at Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. Stylistically, the creative evokes the charm of a classic film, a tribute to the refined elegance of a bygone era, where the North American spirit of allure and adventure on which Fairmont was founded, is reimagined for today. It was inspired by the brand’s rich heritage of hosting some of history’s most momentous occasions, from the signing of the United Nations Charter in San Francisco, to Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball in New York City, to John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s ‘bed in for peace’ in Montreal. The creative team was tasked with building upon this legacy to set the stage for a new era of celebratory moments at Fairmont, looking forward to some of the more modern design hotels which shape the skyline of the destinations they reside in, such as Fairmont Doha and Fairmont Tokyo.
“In creating this campaign, I drew inspiration from Fairmont’s incredible heritage, with particular influence from the allure of the Truman Capote era. The focus was on capturing the essence of celebration, friendship, and togetherness—values that have always been at the heart of the Fairmont experience,” commented Jean Claude Thibaut. “Through both the film and imagery, I sought to evoke the joy of gathering, with Fairmont as the incredible backdrop, always there to support and elevate special moments. It’s been an incredible project to be a part of, and I’m excited to see it come to life.”
Through a mix of film and stills, the artwork follows a charismatic cast of characters through a series of intriguing and playful moments, leading up to an unforgettable celebration. The audience follows along as “The Celebrationist”, the Grande Dame of the story, carefully pens her invites, handing them over to “The Porter”, always on a mission to “Make Special Happen” for Fairmont guests. He glides through the grand corridors of the hotel to hand deliver to “The Linksman”, usually found out on the links or out on the town; “The Wellness Enthusiast”, whose favorite places are in a Fairmont gym or on the dance floor; “The Muse & Her Makers”, a family whose travels have taken them all over the world, always with their beloved Golden Retriever; and “The Legends in Leisure”, still as in love as the day they met, and always ready for a night of cocktails and adventure. When it’s officially time to “Make Special Happen”, special guest and a legend in his own right, Tom Wolfe, America’s first concierge, and Chief Concierge and Director of Heritage at flagship Fairmont San Francisco, appears, as a flurry of activity by both guests and staff ensues. Elegant attire and indulgences appear. Chandeliers cast a golden glow over a soirée. With anticipation rising, the celebration reaches its crescendo, bringing with it the realization: Fairmont Makes Special Happen. 
“Make Special Happen isn’t just a campaign, it's part of our brand DNA and is the sentiment we make our guests feel. Fairmont hotels are social epicenters that blend genuine encounters with the heart of the action, creating vibrant spaces where communities gather. Occasions are celebrated, milestones are marked, and history is made every day at our 92 properties in 30 countries globally,” said Omer Acar, CEO, Fairmont Raffles. “Bringing to life our first new global brand campaign in many years marks another special, history-making moment. ‘Make Special Happen’ reaffirms Fairmont’s core identity and what sets it apart in a way that reaches a new and discerning audience.”
Upon launch, the campaign will leverage a blend of still imagery alongside video showcasing the Fairmont film. A 360-degree paid media plan comprising of global print, online and social titles are being activated in two phases commencing May-July and then September-October when all owned, earned and paid media channels will be fully live. Key regions for the campaign include North America, Canada, Asia, the Middle East and Europe with a particular focus on national, travel and lifestyle publications in these markets.
Though the first iteration of the campaign focuses on a party, it was important for Fairmont to demonstrate that making special happen isn’t just about major galas and events, but it’s also about making every moment of every day special in its own way. The brand is bringing this to life in the hotels with the concurrent launch of “Special Happens…”, a collection of unique offerings which immerse a guest or local into their own unforgettable experience: 

• Special Happens... After Dark – a series of nocturnal fetes and adventures, such as private access to the spa after hours for a wellness ritual under the stars at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa or Fairmont Austin, or an “anywhere dinner” on the lush grounds of Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakesh.
  

• Special Happens... In the Wild – indulgent experiences in the heart of nature, such as Fairmont Empress’ famed afternoon tea on the beach, in a rain forest, or at the foot of a waterfall; or taking a seaplane from Fairmont Chateau Whistler to do guided yoga and meditation under a waterfall. 
  

• Special Happens... Around the Table – embracing the power of mixology and dining, from playing chocolatier for a day, crafting your own one-of-a-kind chocolate bar with Fairmont Orchid, to participating in the ancient Hawaiian art of imu cooking, from private foraging experience to all-day roasting in an underground oven with Fairmont Kea Lani. 
  

• Special Happens... In the Spotlight – a vibrant tapestry of moments inspired by the arts, culture, music and performance, from being welcomed into the home of a local chef or artisan to learn a craft that has been passed down for generations with Fairmont Jaipur, to a visit to the private home of Claude Nobs, famed founder of the Montreux Jazz Festival, not normally open to the public, arranged by Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. 
  

Fairmont will continue to add new experiences to the collection throughout 2025. 

CELEBRITIES SHINE AT THE 78TH ANNUAL CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
 
Eva Longoria radiates elegance at the red carpet for the opening ceremony at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival wearing Aleluiá collier, earrings, and ring in 18K rose gold, adorned with white and champagne diamonds. 
 
Julia Garner is wearing Ghirlanda Atelier morganite drop earrings in 18K white gold with white and grey diamonds, paired with a one-of-a-kind Vento Atelier ring in white and rose gold, featuring a central oval morganite stone surrounded by a radiant pavé of sensual leaves. Both pieces are from the iconic Pasquale Bruni high jewelry collection — a celebration of timeless elegance and romantic allure.

Nava Mau  is glowing in the Goddess Garden white diamond collier, crowned with a sensual ruby drop, paired harmoniously with Aleluiá earrings and ring in 18K white gold and white diamonds. ​

TRAMELL TILLMAN ATTENDED THE 2025 CANNES FILM FESTIVAL WEARING JAEGER-LECOULTRE
On Wednesday May 14, 2025, Tramell Tillman made a sophisticated statement by wearing Jaeger-Lecoultre at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

The actor chose to wear the Reverso Tribute Small Seconds in pink gold (750/1000) during his photocall for the film “Mission Impossible - The Final Reckoning”.
Underlining the exceptional versatility of the Reverso’s Art Deco design, Jaeger-LeCoultre presents a new interpretation of the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds with a Milanese link bracelet and a 18k pink gold (750/1000) case. This timepiece exudes vintage glamour and confident modernity – an eloquent expression of the Reverso’s stylistic evolution that began with the unveiling of the first Reverso more than 90 years ago.

 Powered by the hand-wound Calibre 822, the Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds redefines elegance with its seamless blend of historical significance and contemporary sophistication, reaffirming its status as a timeless icon.

Three years. This is how long it has taken to construct and deliver the first 50 pieces of the original MP-10 Tourbillon. Three years in which this veritable watchmaking UFO has remained not only unsurpassed, but unrivalled. And with good reason: with no dial, no hands, and not even an oscillating weight, the piece boasts a roller display, a circular power reserve, and regulation via a tourbillon inclined at 35° with automatic winding by two linear weights. More than a watch, it is a manifesto which fuses the past, present and future of Haute Horology in a single piece: first, unique and different.

Yet, Hublot has once again decided to give its MP-10 Tourbillon a fresh boost. Two new limited editions propel it even further ahead of any would-be rivals. Since its movement has already been perfected, the Manufacture has been redesigning its exterior. Originally made from titanium, the piece has now been complemented with two other versions: one in black ceramic, the other in sapphire.
These choices are no coincidence, as both materials are deeply inscribed in Hublot’s DNA. The Manufacture has been a pioneer in the use of ceramic, in all its forms and colours. And different forms are something that the MP-10 Tourbillon is not lacking. It does not have a single right angle. Unusually complex, its geometry is designed to embrace a double sapphire crystal which offers a completely unobstructed view of the two linear weights. The colour of the black version, limited to 50 pieces, was chosen for its faithfulness to the spirit of the original MP-10 Tourbillon – and as a nod to the All-Black series which Hublot also pioneered.
To complement this, common sense would have dictated offering a colour similar to black, a more measured hue.
This was too obvious a choice for Hublot. For its avant-garde collectors, something bolder, more radical: the second MP-10 is even more strictly limited (to just 30 pieces) and diametrically opposed to the first. The piece is clad entirely in light grey and immaculate white inside a translucent sapphire case, sitting on a bracelet which is also translucent. To counter the dark intensity of the MP-10 Tourbillon All Black, Hublot presents a pure, celestial MP-10 Tourbillon Sapphire.
This decision was as much aesthetic as technical. Thanks to the sapphire, another material that Hublot has mastered in all its chromatic variations, the MP-10 Tourbillon is flooded with light. Its extraordinary movement, with its 592 components, is revealed. Truly sculptural, the MP-10 Tourbillon has no hands. In their place are four constantly rotating displays: the hours and minutes in the upper third of the dial, combined with an invisible magnifying glass; the circular power reserve in the central third, which has three very clear zones in green, orange and red for the 48 hours it is counting down; and the seconds in the lower third, which are indicated directly on the tourbillon cage. This open mechanism has been finished in satin-brushed metal grey to accentuate its mechanical prowess, like the engine of a supercar visible through its rear hood.

The Ghirlanda Light in Lotus collection by PASQUALE BRUNI. All images all rights reserved.

The Ghirlanda Light in Lotus collection  s a poetic tribute to the lotus flower, a symbol of rebirth, light emerging from darkness, and inner transformation. Inspired by the lotus that grows from mud toward the light, the collection reflects the journey of a woman's soul—embracing both shadow and light, strength and purity.

It features rings, bracelets, chokers, earrings, and sautoirs crafted in white gold with diamonds, rose gold, and rose gold with onyx, symbolizing the balance between darkness and light, and the beauty of our dual nature.

Please se more on pasqualebruni.com

The sparkling creations by Pasquale Bruni have shined earlier this week on the red carpet in New York, where global super star Shakira lit up the Met Gala 2025, radiant with the Goddess Garden necklace set with white diamonds, crowned with a sensual drop of morganite. This creation was a perfect match for his Vento Atelier sur mesure cufflinks, in white and rose gold, adorned with a dazzling pavé of diamonds — an emblem of the Pasquale Bruni Haute Couture collection. 
 
Amelia Grey wore sparkling rings from the Giardini Segreti collection, set with pavé white, yellow and champagne diamonds, set in white, pink and yellow gold.