Riccardo Tisci is tipped to replace Frida Giannini at Gucci.

Riccardo Tisci is reportedly the main contender to take on the role of creative director at Gucci when Frida Giannini leaves the post in February next year.

Riccardo Tisci the main contender to take on the role of creative director at Gucci when Frida Giannini leaves in February.

The 40-year-old fashion designer is reportedly in the running to take over the position of creative director at the Italian luxury label after holding company Kering announced Frida was stepping down from the role in February 2015 last week.

However, Riccardo - who is currently head of Givenchy and set to celebrate 10 years at the brand next year - is contracted to stay with the label until October 2015, after renewing his deal in February 2013, reports WWD.

Also in contention for the role is Christopher Kane, whose eponymous label Kering has bought a stake in, and Joseph Altuzarra, in whom Kering also recently took a minority stake.

Former creative director of Yves Saint Laurent Stefano Pilati, creative director of Bottega Veneta Tomas Maier, Pucci's creative director Peter Dundas and co-creative director of Valentino Grazia Chiuri are also tipped to be in consideration.

Kering has refused to comment on the claims, with a spokesperson for the company saying: "We never comment on rumours. All I can say is the recruitment is under way."

It was first announced Frida, along with the label's CEO, her husband Patrizio di Marco, had stepped down from their roles at Gucci on Friday (12.12.14), with Marco Bizzarri being named as the replacement for di Marco.

Kering chairman and CEO, Francois-Henri Pinault, said of Di Marco's departure: "I truly enjoyed working with Patrizio over those years. The great performances achieved by the Gucci brand during his tenure stand as a testament to his success.

"His strategic vision, passion and charisma were key to bring Gucci where it is today. I want to wish him the very best in his future endeavours."

Pinault also spoke about his sadness at losing another of his long-term colleagues, Giannini, adding: "I would like to thank Frida for her extraordinary passion, dedication and contribution to the Gucci brand. She has been the sole creative director of Gucci for close to a decade.

"This is a remarkable accomplishment, considering the level and breadth of responsibility of overviewing all the aspects related to product and image for such a global brand during such a long period of time."

Di Marco is set to depart on January 1 while Giannini will leave after showing her Autumn/Winter 2015 collection at Milan Fashion Week in February 2015.

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