Gucci’s creative head, Alessandro Michele, is planning to leave his role after serving for seven years in the position.
Rumor has it that Michele was asked to deviate from his romantic and maximalist design aesthetic, which he failed to deliver.
“There are times when paths part ways because of the different perspectives each one of us may have,” Michele said.
"Today, an extraordinary journey ends for me, lasting more than twenty years, within a company to which I have tirelessly dedicated all my love and creative passion."
Michele began his career at Gucci in 2002, when he joined the label as an accessories designer. Over time, he climbed up the ranks to become an associate creative director supporting the brand’s then-creative head Frida Gianni, who was known for understated sex appeal. He later replaced Gianni and brought flamboyant, 70s-inspired glamor to the brand — significantly increasing the brand’s appeal to a younger audience.
While Michele successfully increased the brand’s appeal with a new look and feel, Gucci has still struggled to compete with other players over the last few years, with its sales lagging behind players such as Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga. It has also underperformed compared to other Kering brands.
Whether a pivot from Michele’s vision for the brand will be successful or not remains to be seen, but his replacement will certainly have some large shoes to fill.
Photo credit: Alessandro Michele
