May 10, 2017

Portrait by Toni Thorimbert

Florence, Italy  — Today the Italian fashion house Roberto Cavalli SpA announced that it has named the British designer Paul Surridge as its Creative Director. He will head all the group’s brands and for all creative functions.  And he will show his first collection for the house during the Milan’s women’s fashion week in September 2017. 

In comments Surridge stated, “I am honored and proud to carry forward the legacy of this extraordinary Italian house.”

He went on to declare, “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.“

Roberto Cavalli SpA’s CEO Gian Giacomo Ferraris chimed in with comments of his own in saying, “I have worked with Paul, and I had the opportunity to appreciate his creative talent as well as his managerial abilities. 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.”

Paul Surridge was born in England and graduated from London’s Central Saint Martins. He worked at Calvin Klein during the 90s and then joined Christopher Bailey at Burberry from 2003 to 2007. In 2007 he was appointed as Jil Sander’s Design Director Men under Raf Simons’ leadership. From 2011 to 2014 Surridge was Creative Director of Z Zegna and then Creative Consultant of Acne Studios, with responsibility for the coordination and supervision of all activities related to men’s wear collections.

Surridge’s appointment takes place with immediate effect.