Gucci finds creative head in its own ranks

Gucci insider Alessandro Michele was named as the brand's sole creative director on Wednesday, cinching the promotion with a menswear collection this week that Gucci executives said signaled the brand's "new direction".

Michele, 42, replaces Frida Giannini, whose departure after a decade was announced last month. The first collection under Michele's name will be the women's ready-to-wear for next autumn and winter, to be shown on Feb 25, Gucci said in a statement.

Michele joined Gucci in 2002, becoming an associate to the creative director in May 2011. Last September, he was also named creative director of the Richard Ginori porcelain brand, owned by Gucci. He previously worked as a senior accessories designer at Fendi and studied at the Accademia di Costume e di Moda in Rome.