Le Divorce
Another month, another quick exit of design talent from a European fashion house. With gossips still whispering about Lars Nilsson’s departure from Gianfranco Ferré in February, Chloé replaced creative director Paulo Melim Andersson with Hannah MacGibbon in March. Melim Andersson, in his three seasons at the house, had earned mixed reviews and seen a slowdown in sales growth. Clearly, Chloé CEO Ralph Toledano is hoping MacGibbon will stem the tide. The 38-year-old Brit, whose first collection will debut in spring 2009, worked under Phoebe Philo for five years and, most recently, consulted as creative director on the brand’s new perfume. “We look forward to the creative vision she will bring to the growing world of Chloé,” Toledano told Women’s Wear Daily, W’s sister publication.
Giovanni Giannoni