Jonathan Saunders steps down as creative director of DVF

Jonathan Saunders Portrait

Jonathan Saunders resiged as chief creative officer of Diane von Furstenberg on Friday, after 18 months. The American fashion label is officially searching for a new creative director.

The 38-year-old Scottish designer who was tapped by von Furstenberg was tasked with with reviving the brand’s identity, including their online presence and store design. At the time of his appointment Saunders was to report to Paolo Riva, chief executive officer of Diane von Furstenberg and not von Furstenberg herself who was said to have stepped back from the duties of creative director.

Before he joined the American label in May 2016, Sunders worked for Alexander McQueen, Pucci under the direction of Christian Lacroix and with Phoebe Philo during her period at Chloe. From 2003 to 2015, he designed under his own eponymous label which he shuttered in late 2015.

‘I am grateful for Diane’s support and for the opportunity of guiding this iconic brand. I am so proud of everything we have accomplished in the past 18 months. I thank the incredible team for their dedication and support, and will continue to be a friend and admirer of the brand,’ the Scottish designer said in a press release.

‘I am so thankful for Jonathan’s beautiful work and the effort and dedication he has put into DVF in the last 18 months. He will leave an important and lasting heritage to the brand,’ von Furstenberg added.

Sauders’ resignation comes days after von Furstenberg announced plans to sell a stake in the company. According to various reports it is suggested that Furstenberg’s continued involvement in the creative side of the label could have led to Sunders resign less than two years on the job.

Jonathan’s latest and last collection for Diane von Furstenberg was the Pre-Fall 2018 collection, which was presented earlier this month.

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