In a surprising turn of events, the fashion world is abuzz with the news that Leonard and Creative Director Georg Lux are parting ways—but here’s where it gets intriguing: what’s next for both the brand and the designer? After nearly five years of collaboration, the French fashion house announced on Monday that Lux’s tenure will conclude with the pre-fall 2026 collection. This means Leonard will notably absent itself from the upcoming Paris Fashion Week for fall 2026, opting instead to return with a spring 2027 runway show in October. But this is the part most people miss: the brand promises to unveil its new artistic direction soon, leaving fans and industry insiders alike eagerly speculating about the future.
Yuichi Nishi, president of Leonard Paris, praised Lux for his ability to ‘brilliantly embody the spirit of Leonard,’ blending respect for the brand’s foundational codes with a bold creative vision. Nishi highlighted Lux’s ‘artistic sensitivity and deep understanding,’ which resulted in collections of ‘remarkable elegance.’ Lux himself reflected on his time at Leonard as an ‘exceptional experience,’ cherishing the opportunity to draw from the brand’s rich heritage while infusing his own artistic perspective.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Lux’s departure comes at a pivotal moment for Leonard, which was acquired by Sankyo Seiko in July 2022 after decades under the founding Tribouillard family’s ownership. Could this shift in leadership signal a broader transformation for the brand? And what does this mean for Lux’s next move, which remains a mystery? These questions are sure to spark debate among fashion enthusiasts.
During his tenure, Lux masterfully reimagined Leonard’s extensive archive of historic prints, blending them with influences from global destinations and a retro flair. A standout example was the spring 2026 collection, a vibrant tribute to California, featuring pastel brights, vivid motifs, and vintage silhouettes reminiscent of the ‘70s. His ability to balance tradition and innovation left an indelible mark on the brand.
As Leonard looks ahead to its new chapter, one can’t help but wonder: Will the brand’s next creative direction honor Lux’s legacy or chart an entirely new course? And what will Lux bring to the table in his future endeavors? These are the questions that make this split so fascinating—and divisive. What’s your take? Do you think Leonard can maintain its identity without Lux, or is this the end of an era? Let’s discuss in the comments!
