The long time rumor has been confirmed: Matthew Williamson is leaving Italian label Emilio Pucci when his three year contract expires next month, and Norwegian designer Peter Dundas will be the new artistic director. Dundas paid his dues working behind the curtains at flamboyant labels Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix and Roberto Cavalli, and is now ready to take center stage at equally-rococo brand Emilio Pucci. “Peter Dundas, who is one of the most promising designers of his generation, possesses a creative talent and personality that fit with Pucci’s spirit and with its colourful and modern identity,” Pucci said in a statement.

 

 

 

 

The designer will develop a “complete universe” of ready-to-wear and accessories for Pucci’s 47 stores around the world. Dundas, who previously designed for Emanuel Ungaro and is currently a consultant designer at French fur company Revillon, is to take over at Pucci on October 1st, from his base in Florence, Italy. His first collection will be shown in February 2009. —Melissa Alvarado Sierra

 

 

Good bye, Williamson                               Hello, Dundas