DALLAS, May 19, 2008 / FW/ — There is a new name on the Pollini roster, British designer Jonathan was named the brand’s Creative Director for ready-to-wear and licensed product ranges in an announcement last week by the Aeffe Group, owner of the Pollini brand.
A graduate of the Glasgow School of Arts in 1999 with a BA in Printed Textiles, Jonathan Saunders pursued his MA in Printed Textiles at Central Saint Martins as a member of Class 2002. After graduation, he launched his own label, debuting it at London Fashion Week, then moved to New York to cater to a wider audience.
‘Jonathan Saunders is an internationally recognized talent who will surely emphasize the extraordinary potential of Pollini with excitement, consistency and vitality thanks to his powerful creativity and contemporary vision on fashion’, says Massimo Ferretti, President of Aeffe Group.
Saunders is expected to make his debut on the Milan catwalk during the upcoming Milano Moda Donna Spring / Summer 2009 collections in September. In his new role, the British designer joins Nicholas Kirkwood as Design Director of the Pollini shoe collections and Fashion Coordinator for the bags.
Like Jonathan Saunders, Nicholas Kirkwood is a graduate of Central Saint Martins, securing a degree in Fine Arts from the London school before studying shoe making at the prestigious Cordwainers College. Kirkwood launched his eponymous label in 2005 characterized by a passionate study of structures and lines.
Commenting on Kirkwood’s appointment, Massimo Ferretti said, “Nicholas has a vision for shoes which is creative and innovative as well as faithful to tradition and quality. This echoes perfectly Pollini’s core values”.
The change in Pollini’s team was not unexpected. The brand is being repositioned and it started with the choice of Craig McDean and the creative duo M/M for the A/W 08 advertising campaign.
In FY 07 Pollini’s revenues rose to Euro 52.3 million (+ 9.2% compared to FY06) primarily thanks to the strong presence on Europe, Russia and USA markets. Good results also for the Q1 2008, as the brand’s sales rose to circa Euro 17 million (+ 14% compared to Q1 2007).
[MARI DAVIS]
