Gucci has kept the world guessing after they announced that Frida Giannini was stepping down from her throne as creative director – in fact there were even ridiculous rumours circulating that Tom Ford would be back to pick up where he left off. We soon found out that Tom Ford would be staying where he was, and that the new creative director for Gucci was none other than their own head of accessories, Alessandro Michele.
The 42 year old began as part of Gucci’s design team in 2002, and was promoted from a senior designer to replace his former boss after being dubbed the No.2 designer after Giannini. This was mentioned in a statement by French luxury goods group Kering, who owns the Gucci label.
It was the dramatic period of steadily declining sales that saw the departure of Giannini and Gucci’s CEO Patrizio di Marco, the latter who was replaced by Marco Bizzarri.
“After a considered and thorough selection process, Alessandro Michele has been chosen to assume the role as Gucci creative director, based upon the contemporary vision he has articulated for the brand that he will now bring to life,” said Bizzarri. “Alessandro and I are fully aligned on this new contemporary vision needed by the brand and we will be continuously inspired by that new identity in our respective roles and duties.”
Born in Rome, Michele studied at the Accademia di Costume e di Moda. His collection as creative director will be presented February 25 in Milan, and will flaunt women’s ready-to-wear for Autumn/Winter 2015-2016.
