Looking back, there is no denying that 2023 brought a lot of administrative changes to some of the most eminent studios in the industry. First, Sabato De Sarno took over from Alessandro Michele as inventive director of Gucci. Chemena Kamali then became the up-to-date head designer of Chloé around the same time that Seán McGirr replaced Sarah Burton at Alexandra McQueen. And now 2024 begins the same way. On May 15, two months after Michele’s move to Valentino, another status update sent the fashion world into a frenzy: Haider Ackermann had just been announced as the first inventive director of Canada Goose – and not just with a high-fashion campaign.
Early Wednesday morning, fashion lovers woke up to the stimulating news of Ackermann’s appointment as inventive director. Ackermann confirmed the news and shared his excitement in a press release. “What attracted me to Canada Goose was not only how they created the category, but also its true reputation and determination to achieve its goal,” said Ackermann. “The impact this brand has had on the world around us is significant and inspiring.” This up-to-date role comes at the perfect time for Ackermann, as his eponymous label has since gone on a design hiatus Fall 2020.
The acquisition of Ackermann marks the beginning of a up-to-date era for the luxury outerwear brand that prioritizes environmental sustainability and protecting our planet while making a significant impact on fashion. In honor of the brand’s sustainable rebranding, the renowned designer celebrated his first stint as inventive director by releasing a limited-edition sweatshirt in support of Polar Bear International (PBI). The organic cotton hoodie (available in four nature-inspired colors: Borealis Green, Arctic Blue, Crystal White and Onyx Black) is now officially available for sale, and 100% of the proceeds from sales will be donated to PBI to fund necessary research, implement inventive conservation strategies and educate communities about the importance of protecting the Arctic.
And that’s not all. The sweatshirt drop is accompanied by a special launch campaign featuring Jane Fonda. “I have put all my strength into inspiring planet-friendly choices to address the climate crisis, and collaborating with Haider and Canada Goose to draw attention to what is happening in the Arctic is powerful, critical and necessary,” the activist shared in a statement . During the corresponding photo shoot, Fonda posed for photographer Willy Vanderperre in the aforementioned neon green hoodie, and later in a stark white version.
Given his impressive sartorial repertoire, it’s no surprise that Ackermann went the extra mile for his inaugural move at Canada Goose. The Colombian-born star began his career in 1998 during a five-month internship with John Galliano. Just four years later, he opened his own atelier with a women’s clothing collection for fall/winter 2002 during Paris Fashion Week. Starting with the spring 2004 collection, Ackermann presented a up-to-date presentation for almost every season until fall 2020. From 2016 to 2018, he served as inventive director at Berluti, and most recently, during Paris Haute Couture Week Spring 2023he made headlines as a guest designer for Jean Paul Gaultier. During this show, he debuted in heavily constructed suits, delicately draped gowns and statement tops (see his Top decorated with bird feathers).
Over the years, Ackermann has also developed relationships with notable fashion muses, including Tilda Swinton and Timothée Chalamet. In December 2021, Ackermann collaborated with Chalamet design and release a hoodie and 100% of the proceeds will go to the French organization Afghanistan Libre, which focuses on protecting women’s rights in Afghanistan. In February, the duo reunited for a frame Dune: part two press trip. For the London premiere of the film, Chalamet styled herself in Haider Ackermann style, adding an oversized black T-shirt and metallic silver pants.
Be sure to get your first Ackermann Canada Goose staple while you still can. And keep an eye out for the label’s next major move – perhaps a collection with Chalamet? Only time will tell.
