Stuart Weitzman has stepped down as creative director of the eponymous shoe brand he founded nearly 30 years ago, the company announced today. Former Loewe leather goods design director Giovanni Morelli will assume the role in May 2017, and Weitzman will become chairman. Morelli will report to Wendy Kahn, who will become CEO and brand president this September.
Morelli’s 25 years in the industry includes creative roles at Prada, Burberry, Marc Jacobs, Chloé, and most recently LVMH-owned Leowe, and has built a reputation for his accessories designs and creative leadership.
“Giovanni has garnered worldwide recognition designing iconic accessories for several European and American fashion brands. His extensive luxury brand experience and focus on leathergoods and accessories, make him ideally suited to assume the role of creative director for the Stuart Weitzman brand,” said Victor Luis, CEO at Coach, the parent company of Stuart Weitzman.
“In Giovanni, we have found a creative director who will ensure that the unique DNA of the brand will be preserved while infusing his creative vision for a modern age,” Weitzman said in a release. “Giovanni is respected for his attention to detail, respect of quality and craftsmanship and for his modern sensibility that is always pushing new design boundaries.”
