5 Things You Need To Know About Gucci’s New Creative Director, Alessandro Michele

There’s a new name to know in the fashion world; Alessandro Michele has been appointed creative director at Gucci.

There’s a new name to know in the fashion world; Alessandro Michele has been appointed creative director at Gucci.

Taking to the helm of the Italian megabrand with immediate effect, Mr Michele faces a quick turn around for his debut collection, which is expected to show at Milan Fashion Week in just a month’s time.

‘Alessandro Michele has both the qualities and the vision necessary to bring a new contemporary perspective to Gucci and lead the brand into an exciting new creative chapter of its history,’ François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of Gucci’s parent company, Kering, said in a statement.

Here’s five things you need to know about the star signing…

He’s A Handbag God Alessandro’s earned an uber-promotion from his current role as head accessories designer, probably thanks to the hot new bag collections he’s delivered for SS15. The Soho mini is back and well on its way to becoming the IT bag of the summer season, while spring's Bamboo backpacks put a fresh spin on one of the house’s most iconic design details; wooden hardware.

He’s Practically Got Gucci Running Through His Veins Mr Michele joined Gucci back in 2002 and 13 years later he’s part of the family. ‘Alessandro's talent and his knowledge of the company and the design teams in place will for sure allow him to move quickly and seamlessly in implementing his new creative direction for the collections and the brand,’ Marco Bizzarri, president and CEO of Gucci enthused. It’s not the first time the Gucci group have chosen to promote one of their own either, Sarah Burton took the helm at Alexander McQueen after the designer’s death in 2010.

He Pipped Tom Ford To The Post The original king of sexy-glam at Gucci, Tom Ford was rumoured to be planning a return to his old Italian stomping ground. Alas, there won’t be another shaved G ad campaign anytime soon.

The First Celeb He's Got His Hands On Is Jennifer Aniston We loved Jen's rouge Gucci tux at the Critics' Choice Awards last week, and now we know who was behind it. If Alessandro can pull off a style overhaul like this for his first red carpet client, half of Hollywood will be queueing up outside his new atelier. 

He’s Got A Big Task Ahead Of Him The resignation of Frida Giannini came after a year of slow sales and no growth for the label, meaning that Alessandro’s job is to turn it all around. Stat. He’s expected to bring a more contemporary vision to Gucci’s ready-to-wear line and attract lots of key customers and fashion influencers back to the brand in the process. We’ll see the results at #MFW on the 25th February.