Facchinetti to replace Valentino

Italian designer Alessandra Facchinetti will replace Valentino when he retires early next year, the Valentino Fashion Group has announced. Facchinetti, 35, was briefly head of women's ready-to-wear at Gucci following the departure of Tom Ford.

New Valentino designer Alessandra Facchinetti

Recently, she has revamped skiwear company Moncler, bringing her edgy take on puffa jackets into trendy boutiques like Colette. Though Facchinetti has no experience of designing haute couture, she will be able to count on Valentino's long-term team, which has fitted personalities ranging from Jackie Kennedy to Gwyneth Paltrow.