(Disclaimer before we start: File this one firmly under fun.) Fashion is currently in its hot-mess era with creative directors ricocheting between labels, exiting after mere months (case in point: Dario Vitale and Versace), or bowing out after more than a decade (see: Olivier Rousteing and Balmain). In an industry this unpredictable, what better way to speculate on the future than with a 2026 tarot forecast – obviously.

Another brand that seems to be in a state of flux at the moment is McQueen, with Kering undergoing a restructuring and repositioning exercise at the struggling label^[1], which of course, many people believe should just be shut down in the first place as Lee Alexander McQueen himself had wanted.

Add to the list Giorgio Armani. Upon Armani’s death at age 91 in September 2025, his will revealed a confusing divergence from his need for control, having headed many aspects of the company. The will instructed his heirs to sell a 15% stake in the company within 18 months, with an additional 30-54.9% going to the buyer afterwards.^[2]

And finally there’s Gucci, who have brought on Demna Gvasalia – ex-Balenciaga, ex-Vetements – a controversial figure due to an ad campaign mishap (to put it very mildly) and who has a lot of pressure to turn the struggling brand around, especially as it is the main financial driver for the Kering group^[3]. He replaces the underrated (imho) Sabato De Sarno, who had come in after the overrated (imho) Alessandro Michele (who is now at Valentino).

With all this in mind, and our absolute inability to know what’s in store for 2026 – other than knowing that it is likely to be another year of turmoil after 2025 outdid 2024 – why not try to make sense of it through a tarot forecast? Stick with me here.

Let’s make this more of a fun game than a dive into the occult! Each brand has a 2026 tarot forecast that is split into four parts: Q1 (January to March), Q2 (April to June), Q3 (July to September), and Q4 (October to December). There is also one card that is pulled to give the overall vibe of 2026. Checking in after each quarter will be fun – who knows how accurate or absolutely way off these predictions will be?

So now that the format is clear – along with the fact that this is all in fun – let’s get into the brands and their 2026 tarot forecast. And, just to make this even more oxymoronic, there is a list of references at the bottom of the post.

2026 Tarot Forecast for Versace

The current situation: Versace has been bought out by Prada, with the newly hired Dario Vitale being let go. He was brought in by Versace from Miu Miu to replace Donatella Versace, however it seems Prada Group took this Vitale’s departure quite personally.^[4] So what’s in store for 2026 for Versace?

Versace Q1 Forecast: January, February March

II of Cups (Reversed) • IX of Wands
They may be some disruption and problems from the merger, perhaps some office conflict – could it mean some layoffs? There’s a feeling of reassessment of the situation here. There’s the showing of vigilance before there can be success.

Versace Q2 Forecast: April, May, June

Page of Wands • Justice (Reversed)
The Page of Wands is all about fresh ideas – could a new creative director to replace Vitale be announced? However there are some legal issues here. Is the incoming designer having issues with an NDA? Or is it a bit of a messy situation for them when leaving their old brand?

Versace Q3 Forecast: July, August, September

Death (Reversed) • The Moon (Reversed)
Q3 is important – there’s Milan Fashion Week in September. However it looks like the new designs will be considered too reliant on the past, with the way forward for the brand looking unclear.

Versace Q4 Forecast: October, November, December

The High Priestess • IX of Cups
There’s significant improvement here, with clarity and a new direction for Versace that lead to good financial results.

Versace Overall 2026 Tarot Forecast

Knight of Pentacles
2026 will be a year of steady progress for Versace, with success through sustained effort.

2026 Tarot Forecast for Balmain

The current situation: Olivier Rousteing departed Balmain in November 2025 after a 14-year tenure at the Mayhoola-owned fashion house. The brand is currently under financial strain, relying on continued capital injections from its Qatari shareholder to remain operational.^[5]

Balmain Spring 2026 [Paris] Creative Direction: Olivier Rousteing; Photo: NOWFASHION.com

Balmain Q1 Forecast: January, February March

IV of Pentacles • Queen of Swords (Reversed)
It’s a time for financial austerity, although sticking to the same tried and tested methods can hinder progress. There is the need to adapt and be innovative – Q1 for Balmain shows a sort of stagnation in strategic innovation.

Balmain Q2 Forecast: April, May, June

The Tower (Reversed) • X of Swords
There is a marked resistance to change, including an unwillingness to acknowledge and address the structural issues required for sustainable growth. The brand appears to be entering a difficult period, during which its future may seem uncertain.

Balmain Q3 Forecast: July, August, September

Temperance (Reversed) • VII of Cups (Reversed)
Financial strain necessitates cautious planning, as the brand moves through a phase defined by mismanagement, stagnation, and an entrenched resistance to change. Dissatisfaction continues to simmer beneath the surface.

Balmain Q4 Forecast: October, November, December

IX of Swords • Strength
Creativity is struggling, there is professional stress and the need to learn from critique. However there is potential and a strong desire to move forward.

Balmain Overall 2026 Tarot Forecast

III of Swords (Reversed)
There is movement towards a better outcome, the brand is working through challenges and learning from feedback. There is a willingness to listen and adapt.

2026 Tarot Forecast for McQueen

The current situation: As mentioned above, Kering is looking to restructure and reposition McQueen. I’m curious what that will look like tbh – there was the diffusion label McQ if you remember – but honestly I think the brand has just kind of lost its way. Sarah Burton was amazing at what she did but there wasn’t the darkness that we knew and loved. I do like what Seán McGirr is doing, and I think he gets too much criticism, but he has big shoes to fill. Again, that darkness isn’t there, and I don’t think it can ever be brought back. So here are the predictions for 2026.

McQueen Q1 Forecast: January, February March

IV of Pentacles (Reversed) • The Devil
While impulsive financial choices may backfire, stepping away from traditional methods could open the door to creative renewal. The moment points to role realignments and career transitions, with decisions that shape future financial prosperity and allow greater independence from limiting frameworks. Could there be a new Creative Director on the horizon?

McQueen Q2 Forecast: April, May, June

X of Pentacles • King of Cups
The outlook suggests financial stability alongside a flourishing of creative talent, marked by inspired, potentially groundbreaking work.

McQueen Q3 Forecast: July, August, September

VII of Cups • The Magician
A wide range of options is available, creating opportunities for diversification and expansion. This is a strong moment for creative projects, provided ambition is balanced with practical execution. Positive developments are likely, including new initiatives or partnerships, accompanied by increased visibility and influence (could this be digital or social platforms?) Innovation is met with recognition.

McQueen Q4 Forecast: October, November, December

IX of Pentacles • VIII of Wands (Reversed)
Rewards, success, and financial stability are indicated, particularly when growth is driven by work that aligns closely with the brand’s core purpose. At the same time, strategic care is required, as periods of slowdown, delay, or miscommunication may temporarily complicate progress.

McQueen Overall 2026 Tarot Forecast

King of Wands
A renewed burst of energy and innovation in 2026 brings long-term goals closer to realisation through increased focus and perseverance. Commitment to self-improvement and creative momentum drives meaningful progress, while a transition into roles requiring leadership and strategic insight allows talent to be more fully recognised. By taking initiative on bold projects or business plans, significant achievements –  likely to earn acknowledgment from both peers and stakeholders – become possible.

2026 Tarot Forecast for Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani passed away at the age of 91, still leading his brand to the very end. Rather surprisingly, his will showed a desire to partially relinquish control of the company, instructing his heirs to sell a 15% stake in the company within 18 months, with an additional 30-54.9% going to the buyer afterwards.[2] So, what’s in store for 2026?

Giorgio Armani Spring 2026 [Milan] Creative Direction: Giorgio Armani; Photo: NOWFASHION.com

Giorgio Armani Q1 Forecast: January, February March

III of Wands • Queen of Pentacles (Reversed)
There’s the expanding of horizons here: boldness and exploration, opportunities (likely overseas), and setting the groundwork for future success. There is the need for strategic thinking and careful planning. It is a good time for entrepreneurs looking to expand their business ventures into new areas or industries, however there is the risk of financial instability. There needs to be proper oversight of resources with a focus on long-term goals and sustainability.

Giorgio Armani Q2 Forecast: April, May, June

VI of Pentacles (Reversed) • II of Swords (Reversed)
This period is marked by mismanagement or misuse of resources alongside imbalanced relationships or perhaps somebody taking advantage. There could be unequal treatment from those in authority. While these challenges create tension, they also bring an end to indecision.

Giorgio Armani Q3 Forecast: July, August, September

The Fool (Reversed) • VI of Cups
Here is a warning of risk associated with impulsive decisions. There is the need to reassess plans due to the arrival of unforeseen obstacles. This requires thoughtful planning, and there may be reluctance to accept necessary changes. However disputes can be resolved. There is growth and adaptation to new trends, with the brand moving away from conventions that no longer serve it. Misunderstandings will be resolved.

Giorgio Armani Q4 Forecast: October, November, December

The High Priestess (Reversed) • Knight of Wands
There still remains some reluctance to embrace the necessary transformation; uncertainty may lead to indecisive choices. However opportunities aligned with the brand’s true interests and abilities are likely to present themselves. Challenges that arise often lead to the resolution needed for growth. There is an upsurge in creativity at this time.

Giorgio Armani Overall 2026 Tarot Forecast

III of Swords
This is a phase of grief and recovery, shaped by difficulty in adjusting to new circumstances. Although this period is marked by emotional pain, it also holds an opportunity for growth.

2026 Tarot Forecast for Gucci

Gucci is an important brand for Kering, bringing in the most revenue for the group. Alessandro Michele left his role as Creative Director of Gucci in November 2022^[6] with Sabato De Sarno coming in to replace him in January 2023^[7]. Although you can thank De Sarno for all the burgundy you’re seeing right now (and also the chartreuse you’ll be seeing next summer) his tenure ultimately didn’t last as it did not translate into financial success.^[8] In March 2025, Demna Gvasalia was appointed the new Artistic Director of Gucci, with a start date of early July 2025^[9]. So far it looks like Demna is going for more a Tom Ford sort of vibe, although I’m convinced that there will be a Hedi Slimane/indie-sleaze direction too. Here’s what to expect for Gucci in 2026 (if the tarot cards are to be believed, that is):

Gucci Q1 Forecast: January, February March

IX of Swords • VII of Wands
There are challenges here but these are not permanent, instead they are catalysts for growth and accomplishment. There is the need to learn from critique, however. At the same time, heightened competition underscores the importance of differentiation, making it essential for Gucci to assert a distinct and confident identity.

Gucci Q2 Forecast: April, May, June

The Hanged Man • Knight of Pentacles (Reversed)
There is the need for re-evaluation of core values and priorities, marked by a pause to reflect and reassess. Letting go of traditional methodologies in favour of innovative approaches becomes necessary, along with a shift in mindset. The brand will see some stagnation due to a lack of creativity or adaptability.

Gucci Q3 Forecast: July, August, September

Ace of Pentacles • The Lovers (Reversed)
It’s a good time for new business plans or ventures, and it’s a good time for new roles and new career paths that are more in line with individual skills and aspirations. There will be a pivotal decision that will change the course of the brand. Collaboration and partnership play a key role here, suggesting a strengthening through teamwork. There are new career paths, raising the possibility of a shared creative structure: does this mean that there will be a creative duo leading the brand? Somebody brought in alongside Demna?

Gucci Q4 Forecast: October, November, December

The Magician • IX of Wands
There are positive developments here, with Gucci undertaking new projects and having new opportunities. Gucci will have an enhanced influence in the fashion world through innovation, bringing increased recognition and visibility. This phase is accompanied by a period of caution and vigilance before success.

Gucci Overall 2026 Tarot Forecast

VI of Swords
There is a choice to leave the past behind and welcome new possibilities. There’s an inner struggle accompanying this transition. Ultimately, changes in roles or career paths foster a more cooperative work environment, paving the way for renewed momentum and collective progress.

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References

[1] https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/luxury/the-plan-for-mcqueen/
[2] https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/surprise-twist-armanis-will-sets-stage-sale-fashion-empire-2025-09-12/
[3] https://www.kering.com/en/news/first-half-2025-results-072925/
[4] https://www.modaes.com/global/companies/versace-is-left-without-a-creative-dario-vitale-exits-after-prada-purchase-closes
[5] https://www.glitz.paris/en/houses/2025/09/04/qatari-royal-family-keeps-balmain-afloat,110517693-art
[6] https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/23/style/gucci-designer-alessandro-michele.html
[7] https://www.kering.com/en/news/sabato-de-sarno-appointed-creative-director-of-gucci/
[8] https://www.lofficielsingapore.com/fashion/sabato-de-sarno-leaves-gucci-after-two-years-as-artistic-director-fashion-news
[9] https://www.kering.com/en/news/demna-appointed-artistic-director-of-gucci/

Featured photo by dilara irem: https://www.pexels.com/photo/deck-of-cards-on-creases-fabric-14730820/

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