The Departures

A Major Design Head Steps Down as the Menswear Shakeup Continues

By James Brock // Feb 3, 2016

Stefano Pilati and Zegna are parting ways. (Courtesy fashionista.com)

Stefano Pilati is now part of Ermenegildo Zegna history. The fashion house announced today that the Autumn/Winter 2016 collection would be the final one Pilati designed for the brand.

“I want to thank Stefano for his contribution to Ermenegildo Zegna. We wanted to develop a strong point of view in fashion as well as style, and for Zegna to be a show not to be missed in Milan. We have reached this objective faster than expected. As we move on to write new chapters in Zegna’s development, I wish Stefano well for his future endeavours,” Gildo Zegna, chief executive officer of the Zegna Group, said in a statement.

Pilati, who from 2004 until 2012 was head designer at Yves Saint Laurent, added in the statement: “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. I now wish to focus on other projects that I had put aside in order to achieve our common goals with Zegna Couture.”

It’s been a busy week in menswear; on Monday, Brioni’s creative director, Brendan Mullane, stepped down, and Berluti announced that designer Alessandro Sartori would be leaving the company.