Alessandro Michele steps down as Gucci creative director

After 20 years at Gucci, seven of which he was a creative director, Alessandro Michele took his leave. French luxury brand conglomerate Kering, which includes Gucci, announced the breakup with the fashion designer yesterday, issuing a statement to the press. "Michele has played a fundamental role in the way the brand is today, with a stunning foundation of creativity, while remaining true to the Maison's famous codes."

When Michele took over as the Gucci think tank in 2015, he was able to breathe new life into the brand, bringing eclecticism and inclusiveness with him. His gender-fluid style, with Harry Styles and Jared Leto dressed in pearls and lace, has captured the attention of young buyers around the world. But lately, the designer has been increasingly reproached for the repetition of style and the lack of new ideas. However, Gucci's sales numbers are now the best among the Kering brands, which include Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Brioni, Boucheron, Pomellato, DoDo, Qeelin and Kering Eyewear. Gucci reportedly remains the top earner, contributing two-thirds of the group's revenue.

The reason for Michele's departure from the post of creative director is not called. But according to experts, this may be due to management fatigue from its design. "He's been doing the same thing for the last seven years," analyst Luca Solka told the Financial Times.