Dive Brief:
- Ludovic de Saint Sernin is no longer with Ann Demeulemeester, after just one collection and less than a year with the label, according to multiple reports.
- De Saint Sernin’s designs are known for their focus on sensuality and individuality, and at the time of his hire, the Demeulemeester label said these traits would be key to the future of the brand.
- De Saint Sernin’s departure is the latest of a recent wave of creative directors leaving luxury brands.
Dive Insight:
De Saint Sernin’s first collection with Ann Demeulemeester debuted in March 2023 for Paris Fashion Week. Ahead of the launch, de Saint Sernin told WWD the collection was a “love letter.”
Ann Demeulemeester has been under the ownership of Claudio Antonioli since 2020. Prior to de Saint Sernin’s hire, creative direction was handled by the label’s creative design team, according to Vogue.
Neither the Demeulemeester label nor Antonioli responded to Fashion Dive’s request for comment ahead of press time. As of Tuesday morning, de Saint Sernin was still listed on Demeulemeester’s website as creative director.
De Saint Sernin still remains the leader of his eponymous label, which launched in 2017 and focuses on gender-fluid clothing.
De Saint Sernin isn’t the only luxury creative director to depart over the last six months.
Two of the most recent departures also came after short stints at the companies. Last week, Rhuigi Villaseñor, creative director of Bally, parted ways with the brand in a “joint and mutual decision,” after designing only two collections for the house. Similarly last month, Rochas creative director Charles de Vilmorin left the luxury house after two years.
Turnover has also included some long-term creative directors, with Jeremy Scott leaving Moschino after 10 years, and Mark Weston exiting Dunhill after five years.
