Sergio Rossi creative director departs

Italian luxury footwear brand Sergio Rossi has announced

that Francesco Russo is leaving the company after four years of being the brand’s creative director.

The short statement confirmed that it was a ‘joint decision to end their working relationship’ and that Russo wished to ‘pursue other professional interests’. The label also added that Russo’s ended his design creation for the brand with the autumn/winter 2013 ‘architectural’ collection presented during Milan fashion week.

Christophe Melard, CEO of Sergio Rossi, said: “We all thank Francesco Russo for his commitment and passion during our collaboration. He has greatly contributed to the development of the brand during the past years.”

It isn’t known who will succeed Russo, but the brand has appointed Angelo Ruggeri as collection manager. Ruggeri has previously worked with Russo and has worked for Giorgio Armani and Tom Ford.

The Italian brand is part of the French group PPR and has 54 own stores and 30 franchise stores.