For Luxury Brands, the Musical Chairs Whirled Faster in 2017<br />Power struggles and a departure at Ralph Lauren<br />Less than two years into the job as chief executive of the American fashion behemoth, Stefan Larsson quit after a falling out with Mr. Lauren, saying<br />that he and the group’s founder had clashed over how to evolve “product, marketing and shopping experience.” The startling shake-up came at a crucial moment for one of the world’s iconic brands.<br />Next, after just three seasons as chief creative officer of Diane von Furstenberg,<br />and despite critical acclaim for his collections, Jonathan Saunders abruptly left the New York-based fashion house, which is on the hunt for new investors to fund its expansion efforts.<br />Mr. Bailey, who had been widely credited with transforming the brand from a local heritage name to a global fashion powerhouse, had stumbled in recent years in the joint role of creative director<br />and chief executive, as Burberry weathered the effects of currency volatility, slowdown in China and overexpansion.<br />Luke and Lucie Meier hired to revitalize Jil Sander<br />After three years as creative director, Rodolfo Paglialunga left Jil Sander, the house owned by the Japanese fashion conglomerate Onward Holdings.<br />Not done yet: Tiffany boardroom is upended<br />Then, only weeks later and just hours before Tiffany debuted its first Super Bowl ad, Frederic Cumenal abruptly left the company as chief executive, a move<br />that followed disappointing financial results and a lack of investor confidence.<br />Riccardo Tisci exits Givenchy<br />Mr. Tisci left the French fashion label after 12 years as its creative director.
