In 2015 and 2016, the top names in fashion moved around so much or simply vacated their positions that the term “musical chairs” became overused in the ensuing press reports. Semantics aside, radical changes are the order of the day given how much disruption is hitting the fashion world. Perhaps new blood at the top will provide an infusion of vigor at some of the storied couture names. In short, all eyes will be on Paris for the 2017 spring-summer shows as the first collections of some of these new designers debut.

Maria Grazia Chiuri

The pressure is on for the newly appointed Dior creative director, who presents her first collection for the luxury brand September 30. Competition for front-row seats at the show, which has everything it takes to arouse the curiosity of fashion addicts, will likely be fierce – all the more so because Chiuri is the first-ever woman to occupy the post of creative director at the Parisian fashion house.

After more than 20 years of working for Valentino in collaboration with Pierpaolo Piccioli, the Italian designer was officially appointed by Dior on July 8 to take over from Raf Simons, who left the French fashion house to move to Calvin Klein in October 2015.

At the upcoming Dior show, attention will be particularly focused on the accessories, which are one of Chiuri’s specialties.

Anthony Vaccarello

The Belgian designer became the driving force for renewal at Yves Saint Laurent Paris, following the departure of previous artistic director Hedi Slimane last April. Taking over from Slimane, who did much to reposition the French brand, will represent a considerable challenge for Anthony Vaccarello. His first show for the luxury French fashion house will also be the center of attention, because it will doubtless be an introduction to a new look that is expected to replace Slimane’s somber rock style with a simpler, sensual and more feminine silhouette.

If the schedule for Paris Fashion Week allows, Yves Saint Laurent may opt to make a splash by holding its show on the first day so as to focus the spotlight on its new artistic director.

Bouchra Jarrar

The third major French fashion house to rethink its artistic direction, Lanvin has called on the services of French designer Bouchra Jarrar, who took charge of womenswear collections when she replaced Alber Elbaz. The forty-year-old, who has collaborated with such major labels as Christian Lacroix and Balenciaga, will take center stage when she presents her first collection for Lanvin, which has been hotly anticipated by the public and business professionals alike.