Stuart Weitzman Holdings, LLC, today announced the appointment of Giovanni Morelli, as Creative Director, effective May 5, 2017. Mr. Morelli will succeed Stuart Weitzman, the brand's founder, current Creative Director and Executive Chairman, who will become Chairman. Mr. Morelli will report to Ms. Wendy Kahn, who will become Chief Executive Officer and Brand President from September 13, 2016.
Mr. Morelli is a renowned accessories designer and creative leader who, over the past 25 years, has created some of fashion's most iconic handbags and accessories. After graduating from Domus Academy in Milan with his Masters in Fashion Design, Giovanni joined Prada and followed this with four years as Design Director, Accessories for Burberry. Mr. Morelli then spent the next decade working with two of the most important designers and fashion houses, Marc Jacobs and Chloé. At Chloé he led all design teams for non-apparel including Footwear. He joins Stuart Weitzman from Loewe, where he has been Leather Goods Design Director, Men's and Women's (Non Apparel) since March 2015.
"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, Chief Executive Officer of Coach, Inc., the parent company of Stuart Weitzman.
Stuart Weitzman, Executive Chairman of the Stuart Weitzman brand said, "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. 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."
"Women globally have embraced Stuart Weitzman's beautiful shoes that offer both amazing design and incredible comfort. I look forward to expanding the brand's language and its global reach while remaining respectful of the culture and key tenets that it was founded on, which in turn have inspired such strong customer loyalty," said Giovanni Morelli.
Mr. Luis added, "Stuart Weitzman founded this leading American luxury designer footwear brand nearly 30 years ago and we are delighted that he will remain as Executive Chairman through May 2017, before moving to a Chairman role. Stuart has been my partner in finding his own successor, and his continued presence will ensure a seamless transition."
Wendy Kahn, incoming Chief Executive Officer and Brand President added, "I look forward to partnering with Giovanni in the seasons and years ahead. His creative direction and proven design leadership will be invaluable assets to the company as we write the next chapter of growth across geographies and accessories categories for this iconic American brand."
ABOUT STUART WEITZMAN
A little obsessed with shoes.
Stuart Weitzman, a global leader in designer footwear, operates 75 retail stores across the United States and inEurope. The brand is also sold through licensed international stores and international shop-in-shops, fine retailers and specialty stores and e-commerce sites in the United States, Canada, Europe and Hong Kong. Stuart Weitzman footwear and accessories are sold in more than 70 countries.
A luxury brand built upon the idea of creating a beautifully-constructed shoe, Stuart Weitzman's main objective has always been to merge fashion and function. The award-winning styles created by founder and designer Stuart Weitzman are engineered to feel as good as they look, and to look as good as they feel.
