Fashion Accessories Stuart Weitzman Steps Down as Creative Director, Giovanni Morelli Named Successor By Olivia Bahou Olivia Bahou Facebook Olivia Solomon is a New York-based writer and editor who covers all things fashion, lifestyle, celebrity, and pop culture. She was previously the Assistant Digital Editor for InStyle, and her work has appeared in many national publications. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on August 9, 2016 @ 12:45PM Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty It’s the end of an era: Stuart Weitzman is stepping down as the creative director of his eponymous fashion brand, which he founded nearly 30 years ago. Weitzman will stay on as chairman of the brand and Giovanni Morelli will take his place as the new creative director, effective May 5, 2017, the company announced. “In Giovanni, we have found a creative director who will ensure that the unique DNA of the brand will be preserved while infusing his creative vision for a modern age. Giovanni is respected for his attention to detail, respect of quality and craftsmanship and for his modern sensibility that is always pushing new design boundaries,” Weitzman said in a statement. Victor Luis, chief executive officer of Coach, Inc. (which purchased the brand in early 2015), said in a press release: “Stuart has been my partner in finding his own successor, and his continued presence will ensure a seamless transition.” Morelli comes to Stuart Weitzman from Loewe, where he was leather goods design director, and the accomplished accessories designer has worked everywhere from Prada to Burberry, Marc Jacobs, and Chloé. Why Everyone's Still Completely Obsessed with These Stuart Weitzman Sandals We’re looking forward to seeing Weitzman's final projects as well as the brand’s direction under Morelli’s creative leadership.