Courrèges appoints drew henry as new creative director
Drew Henry, the former senior design director at Burberry, will take the helm at the iconic French house Courrèges in May 2026. The appointment signals a significant shift for the brand, which is navigating a period of reinvention after a period of relative stability.
South african designer joins french fashion house
Henry, 38, succeeds Nicolas di Felice, who departed after a year to pursue personal projects. The move comes as Kering, the parent company of Courrèges, looks to accelerate the brand's international growth. Artémis, the holding company controlled by the Pinault family, announced the appointment, highlighting Henry's proven ability to deliver modern, commercially viable designs.
His tenure at Burberry, under Daniel Lee, saw a resurgence in the brand’s visual identity. Before that, Henry honed his skills at Céline, JW Anderson, and Phoebe Philo’s eponymous label. Notably, Henry’s work at Céline, both as an intern and later within Philo's design team, represents a lineage of talent cultivated by the influential designer.
“Drew Henry is a strong creative talent with a clear point of view,” stated François-Henri Pinault, chairman of Artémis. “His experience and understanding of today’s Fashion landscape make him well-placed to lead the next phase of Courrèges.”
Courrèges, founded in 1961 by André and Coqueline Courrèges, has seen renewed momentum since di Felice’s arrival. However, the luxury sector faces headwinds, and Henry’s appointment comes amid a broader reshuffling of creative leadership across major Fashion houses. His debut collection is scheduled to appear during Paris Fashion Week in September.
The brand's future hinges on Henry’s ability to balance heritage with contemporary appeal. He has spoken of his admiration for André Courrèges’ vision of clothes designed for modern living – a sentiment that could resonate with a new generation of consumers. The challenge will be translating this vision into a commercially successful strategy.
The appointment reflects a broader trend: the influence of Phoebe Philo's design philosophy. Her former Céline studio has become a launchpad for some of the industry’s most sought-after designers.
Marie Leblanc, CEO of Courrèges, believes Henry's creative talent and understanding of contemporary culture align perfectly with the house’s ambitions. “Together, we aim to accelerate its international expansion and amplify its global reach, while remaining true to the brand’s French heritage,” she said.
Henry's task is considerable. Courrèges must navigate a crowded luxury market while retaining its distinct identity. His success will be measured not only by the aesthetic appeal of his designs but also by their commercial performance.
The Fashion world will be watching closely to see how Henry shapes the future of this pioneering brand.