Pucci Names Dundas to Succeed Williamson

Emilio Pucci has named Peter Dundas to be its new artistic director, ending months of rumors that the Italain house based in Florence was about to change its creative direction.

Norwegian-born Dundas, who succeeds Englishman Matthew Williamson, is an experienced and media friendly designer who has worked for half a dozen European houses throughout his busy career.

Williamson, known for his colorful posh style, held the position for three years; he was initially hailed as the ideal for fit for Pucci. However, since this spring reports had circulated that Pucci was actively looking for a replacement.

Dundas takes up his new duties at the beginning of October with the famous Florentine label, which has been controlled by the world's largest luxury conglomerate, Paris-based LVMH, since 2000.

"Dundas… is one of the most promising designers of his generation, possesses a creative talent and personality that fit with Pucci's spirit and with its colorful and modern identity," Pucci said in a press release.

However, Dundas is the fifth designer in eight years at Pucci. LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault is known for his courage in sticking with designers, yet his own daughter, Delphine, sits on the management board of Pucci, which has chopped and changed designers like football coaches.

Dundas, who is currently designing the main line of Revillon, the Paris furrier, will move to Florence to take up his new position. There, he will "concentrate on the development of a complete universe of ready-to-wear and accessories in order to continue the rapidly expanding dynamics of the brand which today operates 47 stores across the world," Pucci added in the release.

A graduate of the Parsons School of Design, Dundas joined the design studio of Jean-Paul Gaultier in 1992. In 2000, he moved to Christian Lacroix, before becoming chief designer at Roberto Cavalli for three years starting in 2002.

Dundas' biggest claim to fame in his career was being artistic director for Emanuel Ungaro, though his collections for that Paris couture house while full of zest and energy received decidedly mixed reviews.

Pucci also thanked Williamson "for the quality of his work, which has allowed the label to develop and enhance its collections and business."

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