It took over a year, but it seems the dust has finally settled from the massive round of Designer Musical Chairs played by John Galliano, Stefano Pilati, Hedi Slimane, Raf Simons and Jil Sander.
Stefano Pilati is headed to Ermenegildo Zegna, Women's Wear Daily reports, leading design for the signature men's line, the Ermenegildo Zegna Couture collection and the brand's Agnona womenswear line, which was acquired in 1999 and is due for a rejuvenation.
The announcement of Pilati's new creative director gig, effective on January 1, finally answers the question of what Pilati's next step is. The Italian designer left his post as creative director of Yves Saint Laurent in March following months of speculation over his job security. Pilati had held the role since 2000, but in recent years (particularly the Spring 2012 season during which Suzy Menkes reported he was being replaced), his position at YSL seemed increasingly tenuous.
Days after Pilati exited the label in March, Hedi Slimane, formerly of Dior Homme, was appointed to succeed him as YSL's creative director... but there was still no word on where Pilati was headed. Just weeks before, it should be noted, Raf Simons exited his post as creative director of Jil Sander as Jil Sander herself returned to her eponymous label. About a month later, with Pilati still in limbo, Simons filled the top role at Christian Dior famously vacated by John Galliano.
Now Pilati, the last player in the Designer Musical Chairs game, has found his home. Gildo Zegna, CEO of the Zegna Group, tells WWD, "I'm thrilled to have Stefano in our group as he brings great talent, invaluable experience and enormous enthusiasm... We have ambitious plans for Agnona, and we strongly believe that under his creative leadership we will be able to develop this little jewel into a global brand."
So there you have it, folks: Jil Sander at Jil Sander, Raf Simons at Christian Dior, Hedi Slimane at Yves Saint Laurent and Stefano Pilati at Ermenegildo Zegna.
Meanwhile Galliano is embroiled in an $18 million lawsuit against his former employer, Dior.
For more on Pilati's new role, click to WWD.com.
