Eric Bergère appointed Creative Director at Smalto

The Smalto fashion label, whose founder died in 2015, has officially confirmed the arrival of Eric Bergère as Creative Director of its bespoke tailoring and ready-to-wear collections. The fashion label previously worked with Franck Boclet - now in charge of his own ready-to-wear and fragrance lines - and for 9 years with the Swiss-German designer of Korean origin Youn Chong Bak.

Eric Bergère is a stand-out character in the fashion and luxury world. A graduate of the Esmod academy, he trained for a few years at Thierry Mugler before Hermès hired him to design its womenswear collections and bring a breath of fresh air to the label's style.

He then directed the Erreuno brand in the mid-80s, launched Lanvin's ready-to-wear collections in 1991, and subsequently lent a helping hand to Inès de la Fressange when she launched her own brand shortly afterwards.

In 1996 Bergère created his own brand, which was revered by Elton John and distributed chiefly in Japan through United Arrows. He was then regularly called upon as consultant and creative director by fashion brands such as Aigle, Cyrillus, Gérard Darel, Souleiado, Stefanel (Italy), Sinclair (Italy) and by Japanese brands Jun Ashida and Miss A.

Smalto stated that Eric Bergère, who is "well-known for his sophisticated, rigorous and creative style, will draw inspiration from man's timeless elegance, while heralding his modernity," and will take charge of style and collections alongside Lisa Astorino - the former Creative Director of Apostrophe and Collection Director at Balibaris.

The Smalto brand was founded in 1962 and was awarded the label of 'Living Heritage Company' for its fiftieth anniversary in 2012. Smalto's luxury ready-to-wear line is now distributed in 110 stores worldwide.

Eric Bergère appointed Creative Director at Smalto

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