Blumarine Appoints Walter Chiapponi As New Creative Director

By Madeleine Foster

Courtesy of Blumarine

Italian fashion house Blumarine has announced the appointment of Walter Chiapponi as its new creative director.

Chiapponi will take the helm of the brand's design team starting in November 2023, and his first collection for Blumarine will be unveiled in February 2024 during Milan Fashion Week. A seasoned designer with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, Chiapponi has held senior design positions at several major Italian brands, including Tod's, Bottega Veneta, and Salvatore Ferragamo. He is also known for his clean and modern aesthetic, which is rooted in traditional Italian craftsmanship.

In his new role at Blumarine, Chiapponi is tasked with leading the brand into a new era while respecting its heritage. Blumarine was founded in 1977 by Anna Molinari and Gianpaolo Tarabini, and it quickly became known for its romantic and feminine designs. In recent years, the brand has experienced a revival under the leadership of its previous creative director, Nicola Brognano.

Chiapponi's appointment is seen as a sign of Blumarine's continued commitment to innovation and creativity. In a statement, Marco Marchi, CEO and founder of Blumarine's parent company Eccellenze Italiane, said, "I am delighted to welcome Walter Chiapponi to Blumarine. Walter is a talented designer with a deep understanding of Italian fashion. I am confident that he will lead Blumarine into a new era of success." Chiapponi has also expressed his excitement about his new role, saying, "I am honoured to join Blumarine, such an iconic Italian brand with a rich heritage. I am looking forward to working with the team to create beautiful and innovative collections that will appeal to the modern woman."

It remains to be seen how the renowned designer will interpret Blumarine's aesthetic in his own way. However, his appointment is a promising sign for the brand's future. With his creativity and experience at the helm, Blumarine is poised to continue its revival and become a leading force in Italian fashion once again.