Rena Lange appoints Ludwig Heissmeyer as creative director

German womenswear label, Rena Lange, has named former design director at Carolina

Herrera, Ludwig Heissmeyer, as its new creative director, effective from 15 May.

He will be succeeding Annick Gorman, who is set to depart the label after taking up the role a year and a half ago. In his new role, Heissmeyer will be in charge of Rena Lange's creative vision as well as the development of the complete label's collection. Heissmeyer will be based in Munich and his first collection for the label to launch will be the pre-fall 2015 collection.

However, unlike Gorman who previously reported to Rena Lange managing director, Isabelle Hierl, Heissmeyer will report directly to Claudia Rudigier, who owns the womenswear label with her partner Siegmund, under the Rudigier and Partner Group.

“It’s a great step,” said Siegmund Rudigier to WWD. “Ludwig has spent the last 17 years in New York, but has German roots, and so [he] knows the European, German and international markets. It’s important we get more modern and contemporary without losing the quality of our heritage.”

“And with his background, it’s a perfect fit.”