Stuart Weitzman Steps Down as Creative Director, Giovanni Morelli Named Successor

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.

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We’re looking forward to seeing Weitzman's final projects as well as the brand’s direction under Morelli’s creative leadership.