Debuts rarely happen in isolation. In fashion, they arrive with expectation—the moment a new designer steps into a house shaped by decades of identity. This season reads like a series of first acts, as fresh creative leads take the reins at some of the industry’s most storied maisons. Each appointment signals more than a change of guard; it marks the start of a new direction for brands whose visual language is already deeply established.

Like a test of authorship, designers inherit recognisable house codes—tweed, precise tailoring, sculptural silhouettes—but the way they adjust them reveals their point of view. Some sharpen what already exists, while others shift the house mood entirely. The result is a season shaped by interpretation: familiar maisons such as Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga and Celine—and more—seen through new eyes.

Scroll on for full editorial.

Chanel

Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel moves with ease, revisiting the house’s spirit of insouciance through fluid silhouettes and a renewed sense of freedom. Classic tweeds and couture codes remain, but the attitude shifts—lighter, more instinctive, and undeniably modern.

Dior

Jonathan Anderson turns his gaze to Dior’s New Look, reworking the Bar jacket and tailoring signatures with sculptural precision. Familiar proportions feel slightly offbeat, proving that even the most revered silhouettes can evolve without losing their power.

Celine

Michael Rider refines Celine’s signature prints and streamlined tailoring, distilling them into a language that feels polished yet effortless. It’s a study in balance: graphic clarity meets subtle sensuality, signalling a confident new direction.

Balenciaga

Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Balenciaga softens the house’s edge with fluid drapery and romantic restraint. Strength appears not through rigidity, but through movement—silhouettes that feel intimate, introspective, and quietly powerful.

Gucci

With La Famiglia, Demna reframes Gucci’s archetypes through a sharper, more irreverent lens. Heritage motifs remain recognisable, but styling and proportion push them into unexpected territory, blurring nostalgia with provocation.

Loewe

Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez usher Loewe into a vivid new phase, where graphic colour and tactile construction collide. The result is a wardrobe that feels intelligent yet playful—unmistakably bold, and ready for a new generation.

Bottega Veneta

Under Louise Trotter, Bottega Veneta embraces a refined femininity rooted in craftsmanship. Sleek leather constructions and quiet sensuality redefine the house’s language, balancing technical mastery with an understated confidence.

This story first appeared in the March 2026 issue of GRAZIA Singapore.

PHOTOGRAPHY JOEL LOW
STYLING KELLY HSU
WORDS ANIKA DESHMUKH
HAIR MANISA TAN USING REVLON PROFESSIONAL SINGAPORE
MAKEUP CLARENCE LEE USING SHU UEMURA
MODEL POLLY DOMASHYCH/ MANNEQUIN STUDIO
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT EDDIE TEO
FASHION ASSISTANT NUR HAZWANI

READ MORE

• 
  Act 1
• 
  A Closer Look At The Chanel Collection That’s Causing A Stir In Stores
• 
  Jeff Satur Has Stories to Tell, From ‘Red Giant’ To ‘Happy Ending’

The post Act 1 appeared first on Grazia Singapore.