CONFIRMED: Gucci Names Alessandro Michele As New Creative Director

After weeks of speculation over who would replace Frida Giannini as the creative director at Gucci, they have officially announced her successor. Nope, it's not Tom Ford. Stepping into the role we have Gucci's head accessories designer, Alessandro Michele.

He will present his first womenswear show during Milan Fashion Week on 25th February. He has already shouldered a big show for the house, presenting the mens show in Milan on Monday where he closed the show with a bow with the design team. *The New York Times * reported that Michele oversaw the creation of a new menswear collection in less than a week.

Alessandro worked with Frida as senior accessories designer at Fendi and then moved to Gucci in 2002. It was announced back in December that Frida and her husband Patrizio di Marco were leaving Gucci after 8 years at the helm. Like Alessandro, Frida worked her way up the Gucci ranks. She joined Gucci in 2002 as the design director of handbags, and then following Tom Ford's departure in 2004 became creative director of accessories in 2004 and creative director of womenswear in 2005.

Marco Bizzarri, president and chief executive officer of Gucci said to*WWD *about the appointment: “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."

He added: “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.”

Frida was at first expected to leave after the Autumn Winter 2015 show at the end of February, however made an early exit in January. It was reported by WWD that this was to speed-up announcing the successor as a source said to the publication: “The decision needs to be made, so that it can have an impact on the upcoming collections and shows.”

Grazia's Fashion Director, Susannah Frankel, gives us her verdict...

"Gucci is one of the most famous and influential brands in the world. It's interesting that after months of speculation, and with many big names rumoured to be in the frame, the powers that be there have gone with a behind-the-scenes designer. I think it will be really exciting to see how Alessandro Michele decides to reinvent this very resonant name."

What are your thoughts? Let us know below...