British born fashion designer Paul Surridge has been announced as the new Creative Director of Italian house, Roberto Cavalli, taking over from Peter Dundas who exited the company in October 2016.
Cavalli has long been synonymous with a distinctly bohemian version of Italian glamour, often celebrating femininity through a loud print (preferably an animal one.)
That sensibility seems a world apart from Surridge's most recent place of work, Acné Studios, where he was a creative consultant.
In a statement from Cavalli CEO, Gian Giacomo Ferraris, Surridge is described as 'passionate, mature and an amazing team player who has a 360-degree vision on brands and branding'.
Prior to Acné Studios, Surridge (who trained at Central Saint Martins in London) worked for Calvin Klein, Burberry and Jil Sander (during the hallowed Raf Simons era.) He also worked as creative director of Z Zegna from 2011 to 2014.
'I am honoured and proud to carry forward the legacy of this extraordinary Italian house,' Surridge said in a statement.
'This is a unique opportunity to contribute a new chapter to the Roberto Cavalli universe, which positively celebrates the beauty, sensuality and power of women. It is my intention to show the passion I share for the codes and vision on which Roberto Cavalli built his brand while celebrating the excellence of Italian craftsmanship.'
Surridge will show his first collection during the womenswear spring/summer 2018 season in Milan this September.
