DIRK BIKKEMBERGS TAPS LEE WOOD AS CREATIVE DIRECTOR

British-born designer Lee Wood has been named the new creative director for Dirk Bikkembergs. The first collection under his signature will be the fall/winter 2017/2018 season.

Wood will take full artistic direction of the brand including its men’s and women’s collections and multiple licensing agreements in kids, underwear and accessories.

After graduating from the Berkshire College of Art & Design, Wood moved to Milan in 1998 to join the creative team of Versace, where he worked beside Donatella Versace for 16 years. In 2013 he opened his own design studio, working as a consultant for diverse fashion brands.

“I’m extremely honored and excited for this opportunity,” said Wood. “It’s a brand I feel passionately about. I will be putting all of my experience and knowledge into this new role to add a new chapter into the company’s already rich heritage.”

This appointment comes on the heels of the new reorganization plan of the Canudilo Group, which acquired a 51 percent share in the brand a year ago.

“Lee’s arrival comes at a time of great renewal, together we will design a new important chapter for the brand,” said Dario Predonzan, recently appointed COO of Dirk Bikkembergs.