May Sweeps for the Fashion World

Two out and three in. No, this is not an umpire call at a baseball game but rather a quick synopsis about some major changes that took place the last full week in May. Fashion heavy hitters Alexander McQueen, Hermes and Emanuel Ungaro have confirmed design leadership changes the last week of May. Looks like the fashion industry has decided to do a little May sweeping in 2010.

Alexander McQueen Chooses Internally

Thursday, May 27, 2010, Alexander McQueen chose in house designer, Sarah Burton to replace Lee "Alexander" McQueen as the design head of the company. Sarah has worked for the company since 1996 and is a fellow alum of Central Saint Martin's College of Art & Design along with the late McQueen. Burton also ran Alexander McQueen's women's ready-to-wear line since 2000; therefore, the transition should be easy for her. What to expect for the spring 2011 shows: The same avant-garde style Alexander McQueen is known for. Gaga should approve.

Jean-Paul is Out and Christian is in at Hermes

Wednesday May 26, 2010, Jean-Paul Gaultier announced he will leave the French luxury label, Hermes after the spring 2011 collection set to show in October. Gaultier joined Hermes as artistic director, replacing Martin Margiela in 2003. Apparently, Jean-Paul wants to concentrate more on his signature ready-to-wear and haute couture labels. Do not feel bad for the luxury label just yet. Christian Lemaire, creative director of Lacoste will take Gaultier's place beginning with the fall/winter 2011/2012 collection. Expectations: Gaultier to leave behind a stunning spring collection perhaps putting the pressure on Lemaire to equal or top it for fall.

Giles Deacon Takes the Lead at Emanuel Ungaro

Tuesday, May 25, 2010, after a month of speculation, Giles Deacon finally confirmed his appointment as head of Emanuel Ungaro. Deacon takes the helm after Estrella Archs departure in April. The British designer is not coming alone. He is bringing a team with him that includes Katie Grand. Expectations for the spring shows: Parisian chic from a British perspective maybe?

May ends with a shake up to the fashion industry with these three changes. Do not worry, amidst the business changes there is always room for hilarity courtesy of Lindsay Lohan. Liloh begged the iconic Parisian fashion house, Chanel, to make her SCRAM-bracelet more chic. Maybe Lagerfeld will loan her some of the fur from the autumn/winter 2011/2012 collection. Now that May has come and gone, what does June have in store?

SOURCES

Alexander, E. (2010, May 27). Gaultier Exits Hermes. Retrieved May 31, 2010, from Vogue.com: http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/100527-jean-paul-gaultier-exits-hermes.aspx

StyleWatch from People Magazine. (2010, May 28). Lindsay Lohan Begs Chanel To Fix Her Fashion Quandary. Retrieved May 31, 2010, from People Magazine: http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2010/05/28/lindsay-lohan-begs-chanel-to-fix-her-fashion-quandary/?xid=rss-topheadlines

Wendlandt, A. (2010, May 27). In-house designer to succeed Alexander McQueen. Retrieved May 31, 2010, from Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE64Q1TX20100527