Stefano Pilati Steps Down

Stefano Pilati has stepped down as creative director at Ermenegildo Zegna with immediate effect, the brand confirmed to us this afternoon. The announcement followsPilati's resignation from Agnona, also controlled by Zegna, last July when he said he was leaving to pursue other "personal projects in women's ready-to-wear".

"I have given much consideration to this decision and after thoughtful conversations with Gildo Zegna, we have reached the conclusion that the mission he entrusted me with had been fulfilled," said Pilati on his exit. "I now wish to focus on other projects that I had put aside in order to achieve our common goals with Zegna Couture. It has been an honour to work with this extraordinary family company that puts quality, craftsmanship and excellence at the centre of their business."

The news comes at a time of upheaval in the industry, where many luxury fashion houses - most notably Lanvin and Dior - are without a creative director at the helm. Talk will naturally turn to where Pilati will head next, having already cited interest in a return to womenswear following his departure from Yves Saint Laurent - as it was then known - in February 2012. His former position, currently held by Hedi Slimane, has also been the focus of uncertainty, although spokespeople for the house have strenuously denied that Slimane is to leave.

It also comes after a week of much movement in the menswear designer arena. On Monday, Berluti confirmed that designer Alessandro Sartori was parting ways with the company, while Brioni confirmed that it had not renewed the contract of its creative director, Brendan Mullane.