UPDATE: Twinset appoints new creative directors, launches menswear
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London - Italian apparel label Twinset has unveiled its new corporate brand image, appointed two new creative directors and is set to launch menswear following its acquisition by US private equity firm Carlyle Group.
Twinset's main product line has been rebranded as Twinset Milano, to underline the brand's Italian roots. In addition, Twinset has announced the appoint of Lara Davies and Bill Shapiro as co-creative directors. Davies, who brings more than 15 years fashion experience with her, previously worked for leading brands including Philosophie, Chloé and Alberta Ferretti. Shapiro previously lead the menswear direction at Moschino as head designer. Alessandro Varisco, CEO at Twinset, took over the reins at the brand in 2015, after previously serving as a senior manager at Moschino for ten years.
Twinset unveils new brand image, appoints new creative directors and launches menswear
The appointment of Shapiro, a menswear specialist, signals the brand move into menswear. Twinset recently launched its debut menswear line last week for Autumn/Winter 2017 at selected stores in Italy and online. The first menswear collection, which was introduced under Twinset contemporary line, My Twin, features wool cardigans, sweaters, chinos and t-shirts as well as outerwear.
Following the appointment of Twinset new co-creative directors, who took up their roles in summer 2017, the Italian group aims to re-energise its business. Twinset reported revenue of 243.4 million euros in 2016, and is expected to report a sales growth during the months of July and August in 2017, after sales slipped 1.1 percent during the first six months of 2017.
Twinset believes that its results will have been driven by the continued growth of its e-commerce channel, as well as the opening of 12 new retail stores, which include seven new boutiques and three new outlets in Italy, as well as one new boutique in France and one in Spain. The label also announced that it had streamlined it's wholesale distribution network in Italy, to ensure it remains consistent and improved its wholesale preorder business for its ready-to-wear lines.
The Italian label, which was previously known as Twin-Set Simona Barberi, was completely overhauled after its founder and former creative director, Simone Barberi, sold her remaining 10 percent stake in the ready-to-wear label to Carlyle this April.
Photo: Twinset, website