Ferragamo Appoints New Creative Director

Salvatore Ferragamo has a new creative director of its women's ready-to-wear line in the person of Cristina Ortiz.

The Spanish designer, a former design director for Prada and chief designer for Lanvin for four years, will be taking over the post vacated by Graeme Black, who resigned last month reportedly to concentrate on his signature line with business partner Jonathan Reed.

"I am excited to work for this prominent Italian brand," the Spanish designer said in a release. Salvatore Ferragamo enjoys a prestigious past and has extraordinary potential in the luxury industry. Florence continues to be recognized worldwide for the quality and fine craftsmanship of its products, and Ferragamo has always been one of the main reasons for that." [Source]

On top of her design duties, Ortiz she will also work with Ferragamo CEO Michele Norsa in a new project development for the label.

Her first full collection for the Italian fashion and accessories house is expected to debut autumn/winter 2008-9.