Lee Wood, British-born and based in Milan, is the new creative director for Dirk Bikkembergs. The first collection to be presented under his signature will be the fall/winter 2017/18.
Dirk Bikkembergs entrusts the designer with full artistic direction of first and second line for men and women, including all licensing agreements (kids, underwear, accessories, etc.). An important commitment, which will see Lee Wood as a key figure in the redefinition of the brand image.
An appointment that confirms the wider reorganization plan of the Canudilo group, who almost one year ago acquired a 51% sharehold in the company. “Lee’s arrival comes at a time of great renewal, together we will design a new important chapter for the brand”, says Dario Predonzan, recently appointed COO, on the arrival of the designer.
After graduating from the Berkshire College of Art & Design, Lee moved to Milan in 1998 to join the creative team of Versace, where he worked beside Donatella Versace for 16 years. In 2013 he opened his own design studio, working as a consultant for diverse fashion brands.
Two years later he launched his personal ready-to-wear project: L72. Thanks to the creativity expressed by his men’s and women’s collections, L72 reach the final selection of the prestigious competition “WHO IS ON NEXT?” 2015, sponsored by L’Uomo Vogue and Pitti Immagine Discovery Foundation (for menswear) and Vogue Italy and AltaRoma (for womenswear). The jury of experts proclaimed him winner of the contest dedicated to womenswear.
Lee Wood’s talent now comes to the Dirk Bikkembergs team. “I’m extremely honoured and excited for this opportunity. It’s a brand I feel passionately about. I will be putting all of my experience and knowledge into this new role to add a new chapter into the company’s already rich heritage.” said the designer, who has already started working on the autumn/winter 2017/18 collection.
