Loro Piana enlists Paul Surridge

According to MFF, Paul Surridge has reportedly come to Loro Piana. The British designer, who has led Roberto Cavalli and Z Zegna with experience at Prada and Calvin Klein, reportedly arrived at the Lvmh controlled company two weeks ago, although when contacted by MFF, spokesmen for the brand denied that the designer now works for them. Rumors of a possible role for Phoebe Philo at the creative helm of Loro Piana have been circulating over the past year.

«Loro Piana has never really had a Creative Director, so for the moment I do not think it is necessary,» Damien Bertrand, ceo of the brand since November 2021, replied in a recent interview with the American press. The Manager pointed out that the brand has a Loro Piana Studio «with a very talented team and designers. We are organized, but we do not have a studio for men and one for women. We work by product categories».

After leaving Roberto Cavalli in 2019, Paul Surridge has got back on track since last June to relaunch Corneliani (see MFF of May 17, 2022) with a special project for the Corneliani Circle line. His second run for the Mantua-based brand was unveiled by Surridge himself last January. In addition, according to information obtained by MFF, it would have been the last one designed for the label. Born June 18, 1974, in Hertfordshire, England, he studied at Central Saint Martins college of art and design in London. After graduating, he became an assistant to Neil Barrett, menswear designer at Prada, and helped Barrett create the first menswear collection for the label. Soon after, he moved to New York, where he quickly became director of menswear at Calvin Klein.

The Designer then collaborated with Acne studios, and from 2003 to 2008 he worked at Burberry as senior menswear designer alongside Christopher Bailey. He became head menswear designer at Jil Sander under Raf Simons, and between 2011 and 2014 he was creative director at Z Zegna. As of May 10, 2017, Surridge replaced Peter Dundas as creative director of Roberto Cavalli. He debuted his first collection for Cavalli for the spring-summer 2018 season, receiving critical acclaim. During his tenure, Surridge was also responsible for the Just Cavalli line, as well as childrenswear. In March 2019, he announced on his personal Instagram that he would be leaving Cavalli.

Surridge’s distinctive aesthetic was chosen in the spring of 2022 to define the wardrobe for Corneliani’s Circle line, launched to communicate the brand’s commitment to a more sustainable business model that respects the environment and new generations of conscious consumers. The designer focused on reinterpreting classic menswear archetypes, from essential garments to tailored suits characterized by modern silhouettes, comfortable fabrics, and a versatile and discreet palette.

A minimal and refined aesthetic in line with Loro Piana’s characteristic timeless elegance and respect for the environment. A commitment confirmed by the recent agreement (see box on the page) with the Aura blockchain consortium. (all rights reserved)