Gucci SS15 catwalk show
Alessandro Michele is Gucci's new creative director.
The fashion designer - who was previously head of accessories at the luxury Italian label - has taken over the role from Frida Giannini, who departed the brand a month earlier than expected on January 9, and has vowed to bring a "new contemporary vision" to Gucci.
Gucci's president and chief executive officer, Marco Bizzarri told WWD: "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.
"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."
Rumours the 42-year-old designer had taken over the role were first sparked earlier this week after it was revealed the label's first collection following Frida's exit had undergone a complete overhaul prior to its debut at Milan Fashion Week on Monday (19.01.15).
The entire production, from the garments themselves, to the set and the models were all changed under Michele's instruction, with the entire collection being redesigned by the menswear team in just 10 days.
Bizzarri siad: "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.
"The Gucci men's autumn/winter 2015 collection presented on January 19, which was realised thanks to a remarkable collaboration between the men's design and production teams, is a clear indication that the brand is ready to take a new direction."
Michele started out in Gucci's design team in 2002 before becoming Giannini's associate in May 2011.
Tagged in Frida Giannini