Gucci: looking for an exceptional Artistic Director?

By

Dominique Muret

Published
Dec 19, 2014

Who will take over the creative direction of Gucci, a key role for the relaunch of the Italian luxury brand from the Kering group? Since the announcement last week of the departure of Gucci's CEO, Patrizio di Marco, and Artistic Director, Frida Giannini, rumours have been flying.

Over the past few months, the name Riccardo Tisci has often been mentioned. The designer, who was able to transform Givenchy, where he has been the Creative Director since 2005, into a cult brand was considered to have the ideal profile. But his contract at Givenchy is blocked for several years.

Another name now circulating in the fashion world is Hedi Slimane. According to Page Six of the New York Post, the designer, an architect in the relaunch of Yves Saint Laurent, where he has been the Artistic Director since fall/winter 2012-2013, is on the shortlist of candidates, a list that François-Henri Pinault is soon set to comment on.

Beyond Saint Laurent, which is part of its portfolio, like Gucci, the President of Kering may look for his rare pearl at one of the other brands in his empire, such as Bottega Veneta. The label saw the most dazzling descent in the group in the last decade. Overseen by Marco Bizzarri, in the meantime appointed head of Gucci, it is under the artistic direction of German Tomas Maier, who could, why not, be reassigned to Gucci, as hypothesised by the Italian daily MF Fashion.

But François-Henri Pinault could also look to the talented Paris-born, New York designer Joseph Altuzarra. Kering acquired a minority share in his brand last year.

Or, the choice could be made outside of the French group. The Italian press, for example, has mentioned Maria Grazia Chiuri. The designer is at the origin of the successful relaunch of Valentino, where she is the artistic director with Pierpaolo Piccioli. It seems, though, that relations are strained between the two, and according to some indiscreet sources, the duo is on the verge of separating, with Pierpaolo Piccioli remaining at Valentino, while Maria Grazia Chiuri could be transferred elsewhere...