Roberto Cavalli Names Paul Surridge As Creative Director

The designer replaces Peter Dundas who left in October 2016

Peter Surridge is the new creative director at Roberto Cavalli. His first work will be the brand’s spring/summer 2018 collection, which will be unveiled in September 2018.

The designer – who trained at Central Saint Martins – worked at Calvin Klein during the 90s, before moving to Burberry in 2003 alongside Christopher Bailey. He went onto work at Jil Sander, Z Zegna and Acne Studios.

“I am honoured and proud to carry forward the legacy of this extraordinary Italian house,” said Surridge. “This is a unique opportunity to contribute a new chapter to the Roberto Cavalli universe, which positively celebrates the beauty, sensuality and power of women. It is my intention to show the passion that I share for the codes and vision on which Roberto Cavalli built his brand while celebrating the excellence of Italian craftsmanship.”

Cavalli CEO Gian Giacomo Ferraris described Surridge as “passionate, mature and an amazing team player” who has a “360-degree vision on brands and branding”.

Surridge replaces Peter Dundas who left the brand in October 2016. His exit came amid staff protests after plans were unveiled to cut company workforce by 30 percent. The label also closed its Milan office to centralise its headquarters in Florence – all part of a goal to restore the label’s ailing fortunes by 2018.