Kokosalaki Out Of Vionnet, Audibet In

Sophia Kokosalaki - www.condenast.co.uk

Iconic French fashion house Vionnet has appointed designer Marc Audibet as its Artistic Advisor, replacing Greek designer Sophia Kokosalaki, who will now focus on developing her own label.

Audibet is a highly-experienced designer who has worked for such labels as Hermès, Trussardi, Ferragamo, and Prada. With his appointment to the rather unique position with the label created by Madeleine Vionnet in 1912, the 58-year-old French-born designer is expected to take Vionnet to greater heights. Vionnet CEO Arnaud de Lummen expressed that they “are delighted that Marc Audibet provides us, with all his sensibility to Vionnet, an enlarged vision of strategy and creativity”.

And that vision will be presented by Audibet in his first creations for Vionnet, a Spring/Summer 2008 collection, in July during the Paris haute couture season. However, the presentation is by appointment only, not on a runway.

The Vionnet CEO also wished all the best for Kokosalaki , who, for her part, said in a statement that “It was interesting to contribute to the re-launch of Vionnet, but I realized it was the right time to move on, and I’m finally happy to focus my energy on my own label, which is growing very fast.”

Vionnet appointed Kokosalaki in July last year to re-launch the label, which is best known for its sensual draped evening gowns.
   
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