Maurer, a 29-year-old German designer with experience at Rue du Mail and assumed directorship of the Paco Rabanne studio in November 2011.

‘It is a great honour to be taking on the artistic direction of such an emblematic house at the heart of Parisian creation,’ Maurer said in a statement released by the house.

‘Monsieur Rabanne created his clothing as a means of expressing the singularity of each woman. He invented a timeless, unique and sensual style inspired by art and architecture. This is the ongoing creative spirit that I wish to convey in my work for the House.’

The appointment comes one month after the departure of former artistic director Manish Arora by ‘mutual agreement’. Arora had designed for the house for two seasons.

‘We are very happy to welcome Lydia Maurer,’ the fashion house said. ‘Her determination and her unique sensitivity in terms of the artistic and experimental universe of Paco Rabanne are going to enable us to pursue the renewal of our House in the long term. We are confident that her personal vision and talent will position Paco Rabanne amongst the most desirable avant-garde fashion brands in the very near future.’

Maurer will present her first collection for the house during Paris fashion week in October 2012.