Can we have some, please? That’s the reaction of retailers to Riccardo Tisci‘s widely anticipated appointment as creative director of Versace.
According to market sources, the ink is dry on the employment agreement, but an announcement isn’t expected before the fashion house’s February 24 show in Milan. Creative director Donatella Versace is reportedly banning backstage interviews before and after the show to make sure she won’t have to field questions about Tisci.
As reported, Versace held discussions with Tisci for months, according to sources. Tisci, who left his role as artistic director of Givenchy last week, is said to be taking a vacation. Versace on Wednesday reiterated its boilerplate of not commenting on rumors and speculation.
But retailers already are enthusiastic even without official confirmation. Using words such as “visionary” and “influential,” they gushed about the effect Tisci’s singular aesthetic and social media prowess could have on the Versace brand. Given Tisci’s success in transforming Givenchy, it’s understandable that retailers would want in on his next act; Givenchy grew six-fold during Tisci’s 12-year tenure at the Paris-based house, with revenues now estimated at more than 500 million euros, or $535 million at current exchange.
“We don’t carry Versace, but I absolutely love Riccardo,” said Jeffrey Kalinsky, designer fashion director of Nordstrom and founder of Jeffrey New York. “If I were asked if I’d
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