French luxury house Rochas has announced the appointment of Alessandro Vigilante to the role of creative director of ready-to-wear, as part of the Parisian firm’s repositioning since being acquired by Interparfums.
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He replaces Charles de Vilmorin, who left Rochas in April after a stint of only two years.
Formally trained as a contemporary dancer, Vigilante began his career in fashion working for Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and finally Lorenzo Serafini, before branching out on his own with his debut collection in 2021. An Italian national, born in Puglia, he studied at the prestigious IED Moda Lab in Milan where he graduated with honours. As well as being a trained tailor and highly skilled maker, Vigilante is a purveyor of art, film, photography and dance.
“I am delighted to welcome Alessandro as creative director of ready-to-wear,” said Philippe Bénaçin, CEO of Interparfums.
“His work is defined by elegance, modern femininity, and constant research on women’s body expression. Through his lens, he will write a new chapter for this House built on audacity, femininity and sophistication.”
Vigilante will present his first Rochas collection in February, during the Fall 2024 season of Paris Fashion Week.
“I am honoured and grateful to be joining the maison Rochas and for the opportunity to build on the rich and profound heritage of the house,” said Vigilante.
“Rochas represents a dedication to French sophistication and a celebration of womanhood that I find incredibly inspiring. I am looking forward to conveying my vision.”
Rochas was founded by Marcel Rochas in 1925, and was acquired in 2015 by French licensed fragrances specialist Interparfums, which manages the label’s perfume division, before taking direct control of its fashion operations in 2021.
Rochas named Olivier Theyskens as creative director in 2002, who was followed by Marco Zanini in 2008, Alessandro Dell’Acqua in 2013, and finally Charles de Vilmorin in 2021.