Alessandro Vigilante, an Italian designer, has been appointed as the new creative director of ready-to-wear for the womenswear label Rochas. His inaugural collection is expected to debut at Paris Fashion Week in February 2024. Vigilante, an alumnus of Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) Moda Lab, is the sixth person to take on this role following the departure of the brand’s founder, Marcel Rochas.

Upon his appointment, Vigilante expressed his admiration for Rochas, stating that the brand embodies French sophistication and a celebration of womanhood that he finds inspiring. In a Vogue interview, he shared his enthusiasm for the opportunity to express his own creative vision after interpreting the visions of other creative directors for 16 years.

Vigilante, who also has a background in dance, emphasized the importance of designing clothes that empower and instill confidence in the wearer. His career in the luxury fashion industry spans approximately 23 years, with senior womenswear design roles at Dolce&Gabbana, Gucci, and Aeffe. In 2020, he launched his own label, inspired by his 15-year career in the dance industry, with the motto “Decorate your body with movements”.