One of the biggest misconceptions of the fashion industry, by those who do not work in it, is that women are naturally well-represented in its top creative roles. I’m constantly met by shocked faces when I tell my friends that the majority of the top jobs are held by men.
Unfortunately, despite women driving the fashion industry and contributing to it significantly as consumers, a shockingly small percentage of the top leadership positions are currently held by women. And in light of the major creative director switch ups we have seen this year; this imbalance has perhaps become more evident than ever. Pierpaolo Piccioli left Valentino and is now at Balenciaga, Demna left Balenciaga and is now at Gucci, Matthieu Blazywas previously at the helm of Bottega Veneta and is now at Chanel and Jonathan Anderson has recently replaced Maria Grazia Chiuri at Dior.
According to the Vogue Business Index, out of the top 30 luxury brands, only five creative directors are women. At Kering, the luxury conglomerate that owns Gucci and Balenciaga, there is just one: Louise Trotter at Bottega Veneta.
Of course, being a women is not a requirement to design for women and it is abundantly clear that many male designers do a very good job at it. But it does beg the question: why is there so few female creative directors? This is an industry that literally survives on women. It is shaped by women’s desires, bodies, and spending power, so why is the creative helm still so rarely passed to them?
While this is a question I do not have the answer to, what I can do is turn the spotlight on the female creative directors who are leading the way. The conversation around female representation at the creative helm is finally gaining traction, and these women are proving why it matters. From those who have broken through the ceilings of powerhouse brands, to those who have started their own namesake labels, here are the female fashion creative directors to know…
Louise Trotter at Bottega Veneta
When Louise Trotter was appointed as creative director of Bottega Veneta in 2024, it marked a historic moment. She became the first woman to lead the storied Italian house. Known for her refined, functional approach to womenswear, the British designer brought a quiet sophistication shaped by her previous time at Joseph, Carven, and Lacoste, where she honed her reputation for everyday elegance.
Trotter’s debut Spring/Summer 2026 collection was met with widespread critical acclaim and deservedly so. It seamlessly balanced Bottega’s house codes – intricate leatherwork, soft structure, and understated luxury – with her own sensibility for modern practicality. Her clothes are made for real women with real lives, who still want to feel extraordinary.
Sarah Burton at Givenchy
After more than two decades shaping the legacy of Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton’s appointment as creative director at Givenchy in 2025 was one of fashion’s most closely watched moves. After all, she was beloved at McQueen – each collection seemed to beat the last and after having served as Alexander’s right hand before taking over in 2010, this is hardly surprising.
Her appointment at Givenchy only served to reaffirm the mastery of her craft. Critics praised her ability to merge Givenchy’s classic restraint with the poetic drama that has become her signature, ushering in a new, soulful era for the brand.
Stella McCartney
Since launching her eponymous label in 2001, Stella McCartney has become one of the most influential voices in fashion. The Central Saint Martin’s graduate and former Chloé creative director was an early pioneer of sustainable fashion, long before it entered mainstream conversation. Her commitment to environmentally friendly design is nothing short of commendable and should be the standard the rest of the industry follow. Not only is Stella a champion of sustainability, her designs are actually pretty fabulous too. Known for ultra-wearable pieces with effortless silhouettes, Stella designs for the modern woman who values timeless style.
Miuccia Prada at Miu Miu and Prada
An icon of the fashion industry and for good reason. Few figures have shaped contemporary fashion quite like Miuccia Prada. After taking over her family’s label in 1978, she has transformed Prada from a traditional leather goods company into one of the world’s most conceptually influential luxury houses. And if running the show at one luxury label wasn’t enough, Miuccia launched youth-driven Miu Miu in 1993.
Chemena Kamali at Chloé
When Chemena Kamali took the reins at Chloé in 2023, she brought the brand full circle. Having started her career there under Phoebe Philo, the German designer returned with a clear mission: to restore the romantic, free-spirited essence that defined Chloé’s golden eras. Chemena is perhaps single-handedly responsible for the boho revival we experienced last year thanks to her much-loved collection for fall/winter 2024. She continuously captures the heart of the Chloé woman, making her both aspirational and achievable.
Victoria Beckham
Since founding her namesake brand in 2008, Victoria Beckham has undergone one of the most remarkable transformations in fashion. What was once referred to as a celebrity experiment has evolved into a label synonymous with sleek, sophisticated minimalism.
Beckham’s design language is rooted in clean tailoring, elongated silhouettes, and a neutral palette. Her collections are continuously praised for maturity and precision, solidifying her position in the industry as a creative leader. Beckham’s continued evolution mirrors the very women she designs for: confident, modern, and quietly powerful.