Gucci to remain independent within Ppr

After the announcement of the split between De Sole-Ford and Gucci, Serge Weinberg, president and chief executive officer of Pinault-Printemps-Redoute, has excluded the existence of a plan to merge the fashion house with the parent group (67%).

'Gucci will remain an independent group within our group, respecting the company's autonomy and independence', Weinberg said.

In the meantime, today's Italian and international press are questioning the future of the twin horseshoes, the symbol of the double-G's ten successful years. Some of the most persistent rumors according to the daily, Milano Finanza, would have it that De Sole and Ford could take up a capital share in Versace, even though the via del Gesù fashion house categorically denies it. Other scenarios could be an agreement with Giorgio Armani or a possible restyling of the historical American brand, Halston.

But as far as Gucci is concerned, again according to the Milan daily, Ppr could choose the successor to Tom Ford from four stylists: Alexander McQueen, Nicholas Ghesquière, Stella McCartney and Thomas Maier, with the first two being the more reliable bet.