In the past few months the fashion world has experienced an almighty shake up – with three designers leaving a trio of French icons: Elbaz at Lanvin, Simons at Dior, Wang at Balenciaga; and two more swiftly following suit over in Italy, Alessandro Sartori at Berluti and Brendan Mullane at Brioni – today comes another bombshell, the announcement that Stefano Pilati will, after three years, step down from his position as Head of Design for Ermenegildo Zegna Couture.

“I have given much consideration to this decision and after thoughtful conversations with Gildo Zegna, we have reached the conclusion that the mission he entrusted me with had been fulfilled,” explained Pilati. “I now wish to focus on other projects that I had put aside in order to achieve our common goals with Zegna Couture. It has been an honor to work with this extraordinary family company that puts quality, craftsmanship and excellence at the centre of their business. I want to thank everyone at the Zegna Group and especially Gildo Zegna who has given me outstanding support and will remain a friend and a mentor.”

A period of flux sweeps the fashion world as a strange domino effect kicks in. What each designer’s next move will be is anyone’s guess. But interesting results are certain.