Fashion's Power Shift: Women Designers Left Behind Amid Luxury Brand Revamps

The recent Spring-Summer 2026 womenswear Fashion Weeks in Paris and Milan revealed a troubling trend: major luxury brands like Chanel and Dior are sidelining women designers amid leadership changes.

• Chanel, Dior, and Bottega Veneta were among the ten luxury brands that introduced new artistic directors during the Spring-Summer 2026 womenswear Fashion Weeks in Milan and Paris.
• The latest collections showcased dramatic styles, including corsets and big shoulder pads, but the notable absence of women in chief designer roles raises concerns about gender representation in fashion.
• The reshuffle at leading labels such as Balenciaga and Celine highlights an industry-wide trend where women designers are increasingly overlooked despite their significant contributions to fashion.