2016 was a turbulent and exciting year for the fashion industry. As well as the increasing numbers of brands shunning the traditional fashion week timetable for unisex catwalk shows or see-now-buy-now collections, there was a considerable amount of reshuffling amongst the top ranks. Here is a recap of the hottest promotions of the past 12 months.

 

 

Lanvin
The year was off to a dramatic start with the announcement in March that Paris designer Bouchra Jarrar had been named the new artistic director of Lanvin. Jarrar replaced Alber Elbaz, who had left the luxury fashion label under a cloud of controversy the previous October. Her debut collection, for Spring/Summer 2017, was widely applauded.

Yves Saint Laurent
YSL revealed in April that ex-Versus Versace creative director Anthony Vaccarello would be filling the position vacated by Hedi Slimane. Vaccarello made his debut for the legendary French house during the Spring/Summer 2017 shows, with a glamorous, sexy collection that stayed true to the brand's roots.

Dior
Dior named Maria Grazia Chiuri as its new creative director in July, several months after Raf Simons had stepped down from the role in October 2015. The ex-Valentino designer, who worked alongside Pierpaolo Piccioli at the Italian brand, is the first woman to hold the position at the prestigious French house -- a fact that was highlighted in her debut Spring/Summer 2017 collection, which included t-shirts emblazoned with the slogan "We should all be feminists." Her move to Dior also made Piccioli the sole creative director of Valentino.

Calvin Klein
Just one month later, US powerhouse Calvin Klein snapped up ex-Dior designer Raf Simons as its new chief creative officer. The Belgian designer will oversee all aspects of the brand's output, including its ready-to-wear, underwear, jeans and home furnishings. His first collection for the house is expected to debut for Fall/Winter 2017.

Oscar de la Renta
There was still room for one more big promotion before the end of 2016, and September brought the news that Monse founders Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia would be taking up the reins at Oscar de la Renta as co-creative directors, following the departure of Peter Copping. The duo, who worked at the house for 12 and six years respectively, will reveal their debut collection for Fall/Winter 2017.