Top image: Paul Surridge portrait courtesy of Roberto Cavalli.

Roberto Cavalli has named Paul Surridge as its new creative director, taking the helm after Peter Dundas departed the label in October 2016.

Effective immediately, Surridge will take creative responsibility for all of the group’s brands. The British-born CSM graduate has previously worked for Calvin Klein during the 90s, Burberry and Jil Sander under Raf Simons. From 2011 to 2014 he was the creative director of Z Zegna, before moving to consult for Acne Studios’s menswear collections

“I am honoured and proud to carry forward the legacy of this extraordinary Italian house,” said Surridge. “This is a unique opportunity to contribute a new chapter to the Roberto Cavalli universe, which positively celebrates the beauty, sensuality and power of women. It is my intention to show the passion I share for the codes and vision on which Roberto Cavalli built his brand while celebrating the excellence of Italian craftsmanship.”

“I have worked with Paul, and I had the opportunity to appreciate his creative talent as well as his managerial abilities,” said Gian Giacomo Ferraris Chief Executive Officer of Roberto Cavalli in a release. “Paul has a 360-degree vision on brands and branding. He is passionate, mature and an amazing team player. We all believe that he is the ideal candidate to complete our management team and contribute to implement the ambitious development plans for Roberto Cavalli, which we have agreed with our stakeholders.”

Surridge’s debut collection for the house, will show during SS18 during Milan fashion week this September.