The shift from flamboyant personalities like John Galliano, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Karl Lagerfeld reflects the fact that many brands are now established and don't need a star
The days of gigantic personalities like John Galliano, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Karl Lagerfeld stomping their way around the fashion world are over. Today's stars might still be extraordinary individuals, but it is discretion that sells.
The recent difficulties at Balenciaga—over ads with suggestions of child abuse and its ties to rapper Kanye West—have highlighted the risks of having a provocative figurehead.