FIT FOR MCQUEEN: As part of its “transformation strategy” under new designer Seán McGirr, Alexander McQueen has named Gaelle Collet its chief brand and communications officer, WWD has learned.
She starts on May 15 and reports to Gianfilippo Testa, president and chief executive officer of the London-based fashion house.
Previously, Collet spent five years at Celine, most recently as global PR, media and social media director. The Spanish executive has also worked in various press and media roles at luxury houses including Saint Laurent, Dior and Chanel.
She has also done consulting work for the likes of Schiaparelli and Puig, the Spanish fashion and beauty group.
Testa described Collet as “an experienced leader with a strong track record in building global desirable brands. She shares our values and our ambition to build on AMQ’s unique British creative heritage and her deep luxury and fashion industry expertise will be key in this phase of brand repositioning.
“With the arrival of Gaelle, we will continue to drive the transformation strategy, started with our new creative director Seán McGirr, elevating the brand with a consumer and creative approach,” he added.
McGirr succeeded Sarah Burton at the creative helm of the brand founded by the late Lee Alexander McQueen, and showed his first collection during Paris Fashion Week last month.
McGirr was previously head of menswear design at JW Anderson, the latest in a string of number-two designers to take a leading role at a European fashion house. Alexander McQueen is controlled by French conglomerate Kering, parent of brands including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and Brioni.
It is understood Collet will lead the brand strategy from a PR, communications, image and marketing perspective to ensure consistency.
