The New Cavalli Plan

Since acquiring a 90 per cent stake in Roberto Cavalli in April, Clessidra SGL has wasted no time in putting its new plan for the brand in place and, as executive vice-chairman Francesco Trapani - who now also serves as chairman of Cavalli - told the International New York Times, it needs to move away from being predominantly known for its dramatic eveningwear and have more of a focus on accessories.

"Our major priority is womenswear because that is where so many of our customers already are," he said frankly. "Ready-to-wear is the big opportunity as we are currently very weak in that category and skewed towards cocktail and eveningwear. Then, we need to tackle handbags and shoes, where our performance at the moment is catastrophic."

Despite what seems as a major reshuffle, Trapani insisted that the brand can handle the transition, explaining that it has a "strong character so can support a massive scale-up of the business".

"We are now making steps to improve how the company is run, and all of that starts with our new choice of management," he continued. "You need all-rounders and team players, especially in the fashion industry where some of the designers are totally crazy."

Roberto Cavalli's new creative director, Peter Dundas, who is famed for his glamourous creations, was appointed a month before Clessidra confirmed its buyout and works alongside another new hire, Reneto Semerari who serves as chief executive. Semerari admitted earlier this year that "there is no short-term solution here... there is a lot of work to be done," but backed Trapani as the man for the job.

"Mr Trapani has been a personal and professional friend for decades who has made a career from growing luxury business," said Semerari. "He knows more than anyone what it takes."