Prada CEO Exit, Nike ‘Snakeskin’ Release, and Ralph Lauren’s Board Shift: What Fashion’s Latest Moves Signal

The global fashion industry is in a period of notable shifts, with major luxury brands strategizing new leadership, experimentation in sneaker design, and an increasingly intriguing intersection between literature and luxury advertising. From Gianfranco D’Attis’ departure at Prada to Ralph Lauren appointing Angela Ahrendts as lead independent director, the industry’s latest moves offer clear signals about evolving consumer demands, brand positioning, and market readiness for innovation.

Prada Navigates Leadership Transition Amid Sales Normalization

The prominent Italian luxury house Prada has confirmed that CEO Gianfranco D’Attis will step down at month’s end by mutual agreement, concluding his two-and-a-half-year tenure at the helm. This decision arrives during a critical time when Prada Group aims to navigate evolving market conditions marked by normalization in luxury sales growth.

To bridge leadership continuity, Prada’s chief executive Andrea Guerra will assume interim CEO responsibilities. Guerra’s steady hand will be crucial in stabilizing internal strategies and reassuring stakeholders as Prada continues its journey towards reshaping its brand vision and strategy.

This CEO transition aligns notably with Prada’s refreshed direction in design and consumer engagement seen at the recent Milan Fashion Week. Embracing sibling brand Miu Miu’s youthful boldness, Prada combined chic stylings with playful cuts, featuring micro shorts and shirt-dresses. This vibrant approach suggests Prada’s readiness to push creative boundaries, appealing dynamically to younger luxury consumers.

Nike Total 90 III Returns with Exotic ‘Snakeskin’ Upgrade

Never shy of reinvention, Nike is resurrecting nostalgia from the early 2000s with a decidedly exotic twist: introducing the Nike Total 90 III ‘Snakeskin’ pack. Scheduled for a Summer 2025 release on Nike.com, this latest sneaker drop blends performance heritage with fashion-forward streetwear aesthetics.

Available in strikingly distinctive ‘Pale Ivory/Black’ and ‘Fire Red/Black’ variations, the sneakers prominently feature faux snakeskin textures, elevating the classic football silhouette into coveted lifestyle footwear. Embroidered Swoosh logos and the iconic circular 90 emblem remain focal points, enhanced by contrasts in black, white, and gold detailing for premium aesthetics.

Priced competitively at $100 USD, this strategic product placement is anticipated to engage nostalgia-focused sneaker enthusiasts and the younger demographic attracted to unique styling and attainable luxury. Nike continues to reinforce its position in innovation-driven sneaker culture, guided by calculated nostalgia and contemporary trends.

Angela Ahrendts Steps into Key Leadership Role at Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren Corporation has named industry heavyweight Angela Ahrendts as its new lead independent director effective after the 2025 annual shareholders’ meeting. Ahrendts, renowned for her transformative leadership at Burberry and role at Apple Retail, succeeds long-serving veteran Hubert Joly.

Ahrendts has served multiple strategic functions since joining Ralph Lauren’s board in 2018, notably chairing its finance committee and serving on governance and sustainability panels. Her appointment underscores Ralph Lauren’s intent to deepen its digital engagement, operational innovation, and sustainability commitments, leveraging Ahrendts’ exemplary track record in guiding legacy brands through digital transformation.

Outgoing lead independent director Hubert Joly departs after 16 impactful years, credited broadly with enabling deeper diversity and experience across Ralph Lauren’s executive framework. This transformative period under Ralph Lauren CEO Patrice Louvet has reinforced strength and adaptability within the board, setting clear expectations of strategic evolution with Ahrendts’ leadership at the helm.

Literature Meets Luxury: Authors as Fashion’s New Influencers

Luxury brands continue embracing cultural significance by amplifying distinct creative voices—straying from traditional celebrity endorsements to prominent literary figures. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of its iconic intrecciato weaving method, Bottega Veneta featured acclaimed British novelist Zadie Smith in their ‘Craft is our Language’ campaign, a strong message emphasizing thoughtful craftsmanship and storytelling over conventional glamour.

This campaign builds upon the notable trend of integrating literary talent into brand narratives, popularized by iconic appearances like Joan Didion’s Céline campaign. Recent examples further illustrate this pattern: Patrick Radden Keefe modeling for J. Crew, Ottessa Moshfegh crafting short stories for Prada’s creative communications, and designer-author Mindy Seu featured in campaigns by J.W. Anderson—all embracing authors’ authenticity and intellectual appeal for sophisticated positioning.

This thoughtful approach deepens consumer connection with luxury brands, strategically differentiating products in a highly competitive market. It’s reflective of shifting consumer appetites towards narratives of depth, substance, and cultural resonance that extend beyond traditional fashion marketing.

Significant Milestones and Shifts at Milan and Paris Men’s Fashion Weeks

Recent presentations across major fashion capitals spotlighted key developments shaping menswear trends and brand futures. In Milan, Emporio Armani and Pronounce highlighted relaxed, seasonally-appropriate styles infused with nuanced Eastern inspirations, underscoring industry acknowledgment of global fashion influences.

Despite missed appearances of certain heavyweights, Milan remained a focal hub, showcasing prominent brands Ralph Lauren, Brioni, Corneliani, and heritage shoemaker Church’s. Each presented collections firmly rooted in refined craftsmanship, subtly blending contemporary interpretations of classic silhouettes—a direction resonating well among style-conscious professionals seeking versatility.

In Paris, anticipation builds around Jonathan Anderson’s menswear debut for Dior, Julian Klausner’s first venture with Dries Van Noten, and cultural provocateur Rick Owens’ ambitious exhibition presentations. These segments indicate robust industry optimism for innovation and fresh creative leadership, promising recalibrations in menswear aesthetics and consumer engagement strategies moving towards Spring/Summer 2026.

Health Concerns for Giorgio Armani Highlight the Importance of Legacy Leadership

Fashion icon Giorgio Armani’s health concerns resulted in cancellation of his traditional end-of-show public appearances at Milan Fashion Week. Aged 90, Armani’s reduced visibility highlights renewed discussions regarding legacy planning and leadership continuity within luxury heritage brands.

As elder statesmen like Armani gradually step back, contingencies around creative succession planning become critical strategic imperatives for luxury conglomerates to sustain brand integrity, cultural relevance, and market competitiveness. Armani’s temporary withdrawal symbolizes the broader challenge aging powerhouse designers pose for brand longevity and stable consumer trust.