Ann Demeulemeester, the renowned fashion house, has appointed Stefano Gallici as its new creative director. Gallici, previously the brand’s menswear designer, will debut his first collection during Paris Fashion Week on September 30, signifying a significant moment for the esteemed label.
Taking over from Ludovic de Saint Sernin, who held the position for a short six-month period, Gallici brings his familiarity with Ann Demeulemeester to his new role. With a background as an assistant designer under Haider Ackermann in Antwerp, Belgium, Gallici’s creative journey led him to join the Antonioli Group in 2019 before ultimately joining Ann Demeulemeester in 2020.
Claudio Antonioli, the founder of the Antonioli Group, expressed his confidence in Gallici’s abilities, emphasizing his strong creative vision and belief that Gallici embodies the essence of the brand. Antonioli sees Gallici as the ideal leader to guide Ann Demeulemeester into the future.
Following the departure of Sébastien Meunier in 2020, the Ann Demeulemeester label has been curated by an in-house team. However, Gallici’s appointment, following the brand’s acquisition by the Antonioli Group, signifies a new chapter for the fashion house and signals an exciting direction for the iconic brand.
With its distinctive gothic aesthetic and status as one of the original Antwerp Six, Ann Demeulemeester gained prominence in the 1990s. While the designer herself stepped away from the fashion world in 2013 to pursue other ventures, her influence and legacy continue to shape the identity of the label.
Under Claudio Antonioli’s leadership, strategic transformations have taken place, including a shift in manufacturing to Italy and a significant reduction in wholesale distribution. These initiatives aim to refocus on retail expansion and restore Ann Demeulemeester’s position as a high-end brand.
As Stefano Gallici takes the helm, Ann Demeulemeester embraces its rich heritage while navigating the ever-evolving fashion landscape, embarking on an exciting new chapter under his creative direction.
