MILAN, Italy, March 4 (UPI) -- Gucci reportedly has tabbed two in-house designers, John Ray and Alessandra Facchinetti, to help replace departing creative director Tom Ford.
Ray and Facchinetti will take over as chief designers for the Gucci label's men's and women's ready-to-wear collections, respectively, when Ford steps down in April, sources have told the Wall Street Journal.
A third designer, for Gucci's accessories line, will be named to the team later.
Ford is one of the toughest acts to follow in high fashion but industry insiders say the new design team will have some breathing room through the rest of the year as shoppers will continue to buy merchandise from the Ford era.
Gucci said it also has named Alexis Babeau as chief financial officer, succeeding Bob Singer, who told staff this week he is stepping down.
