Gucci's reigning star

When Alessandra Facchinetti replaced Tom Ford at Gucci in April of this year, it quickly became apparent that she was meant to assume to the Gucci throne. "As soon as I started I felt comfortable," she revealed in an interview with Vogue. "I felt the Gucci woman was part of me."

Facchinetti, the daughter of Italian pop star Roby Facchinetti, was appointed director of womenswear at Gucci when Ford was adding YSL Rive Gauche to his portfolio four years ago. Having garnered experience at Miu Miu and Prada, Facchinetti has now taken on the leading role at Gucci with verve.

Relying on the existing Gucci look she is adding a touch of femininity to the designs in an effort to create a look that is more relaxed and confident, and in her own words, "maybe a little vulnerable." Ford had created a Gucci woman who appeared tough and unapproachable, a real femme fatale. His designs were more rock chick than vulnerable woman. However, despite some small changes, Facchinetti has kept a certain of Ford's influence in her designs, which should please his hard core fans.