Sophia Exits Vionnet

May 24, 2007 - The time between fashion seasons is generally slow, but not this year with several Parisian Houses announcing changes in artistic direction. Marc Audibet will replace Sophia Kokosalaki at Vionnet. After only two seasons, the English designer is said to be leaving to concentrate on the development of her own label. Audibet has previously worked for Trussardi, Ferragamo, Hermès and Prada and brings with him a love of the work of Madeleine Vionnet. His first collection for the label will be presented privately during the Haute Couture shows in Paris in January 2008.

Robinson Leads GAP Modernization

Meanwhile, GAP, Inc. announced the appointment of Patrick Robinson to oversee the modernization of the label at San Francisco, headquarters. A spokesman for the Puig Group, which owns Paco Rabanne, confirmed Robinson's departure from the French company, but did not offer specifics. It is known that Spanish-born Rabanne and Robinson shared an often tense relationship, resulting from the new direction in which the American chose to take the label. Rabanne is said to spend most of his time painting and writing books on witchcraft. He recently lashed out at both John Galliano and Alexander McQueen, calling them "fashion hooligans" whose provocative designs had chased people away from Paris. Paco Rabanne, Inc., under Robinson's direction, had not presented a catwalk show in recent seasons.

Rucci Brings Chado to Paris

Finally, sources indicate that New York designer Ralph Rucci is planning to show his Ready-to-Wear and couture collections in Paris this October.

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