High-Stakes Fashion House Musical Chairs: A Famed Scottish Designer Makes a Bold Move, Leaves Christian Dior Still Searching

Jonathan Saunders pulled the plug on his own label back in 2015, and admirers of the Scottish designer wondered what was next for him. The wait is over: he’s going to join Diane Von Furstenberg as chief creative officer.

“Jonathan’s extraordinary passion for colours and prints, his effortless designs, and his desire to make women feel beautiful make him the perfect creative force to lead DVF into the future,” Diane Von Furstenberg, the company’s founder and chairwoman, said in a statement. “I could not have found a cooler, more intelligent designer and I cannot wait to watch him shine as our chief creative officer.”

Saunders, who will report to chief executive Paolo Riva, will have total control of the company’s creative director. Rumors had been swirling that Saunders was first in line to replace Raf Simons at Christian Dior, but this move puts that chatter to rest. (Simons is expected to join Calvin Klein later this year.)

“The spirit with which this brand was founded is incredibly relevant today. I am thrilled to be part of its next chapter,” Saunders said. “Diane has a unique ability to deeply connect with women and I am excited to be working with Paolo on the future of the brand.”

“Jonathan is an incredibly talented designer who is able to express his creative vision with great clarity,” Riva added. He will evolve the identity of DVF and passionately embrace our mission of putting women at the centre of everything we do. I look forward to this partnership with him.”