Gaultier to quit Hermes

French couturier Jean-Paul Gaultier is stepping down as artistic director of the luxury ready-to-wear brand Hermes after seven years to concentrate on his own projects, the group announced yesterday. From autumn-winter 2011, Mr Gualtier will be...

French couturier Jean-Paul Gaultier is stepping down as artistic director of the luxury ready-to-wear brand Hermes after seven years to concentrate on his own projects, the group announced yesterday.

From autumn-winter 2011, Mr Gualtier will be replaced by French designer Christophe Lemaire. His last collection for Hermes for spring-summer 2011 will be presented in October 2010, the group added. "After seven fruitful years of creation, Hermes and Jean-Paul Gaultier have decided to end their collaboration, Jean-Paul Gaultier wishing to concentrate on his own projects," it said in a communique.

Hermes remains the second biggest shareholder in Mr Gaultier's own house after the designer himself, holding 45 per cent of the shares.

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