Gucci: Creative director Alessandro Michele steps down

Alessandro Michele is leaving Gucci, the brand revealed on Wednesday.

“There are times when paths part ways because of the different perspectives each one of us may have,” Michele said in a statement. “Today, an extraordinary journey ends for me, lasting more than twenty years, within a company to which I have tirelessly dedicated all my love and creative passion.”

Rome-born Michele, who has been Gucci’s creative director since 2015 after having worked as a handbag designer, has been credited for contributing to turning the company around, making it so successful and redefining menswear by making it more gender-fluid.

He had more recently unveiled a collection designed in collaboration with Harry Styles and surprised the audience at Milan Fashion show with a show featuring 68 identical twins.

"The road that Gucci and Alessandro walked together over the past years is unique and will remain as an outstanding moment in the history of the House... His passion, his imagination, his ingenuity and his culture put Gucci center stage, where its place is,” François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of French luxury group Kering, which owns the brand, said in a statement.

Kering has not revealed who will be succeeding Michele.

Gucci is the most profitable brand Kering owns, however it has been lagging behind brands like French luxury brand Hermes, and Richemont (of Cartier and Chloé fame).

Credits for the Main photo: Alessandro Michele Interview | In the Studio | The New York Times