Peter Dundas & Ungaro Split

Posted by Lesley Scott Jul 9, 2007

As president of Chloé, Mounir Moufarrige ousted A-list designer Karl Lagerfeld – a known quantity with a proven track record – and replaced him in 1997 with the highly controversial choice of Stella McCartney…a 25 year old upstart then known only for being the daughter of a Beatle. Now as president & CEO of Emanual Ungaro, his most recent housecleaning efforts have cost designer Peter Dundas his job.

Since Asim Abdullah, an entrepreneur in the high-tech business purchased the house from the Ferragamo Group in 2005, the same year Ungaro himself retired from the design house he founded in 1965, the top design job has yet to find its long-term match. And insider gossip revealed a rift between management and Dundas on the creative direction of Ungaro. His most recent Fall 2007 collection was a sparkly Studio 54-ready collection, replete with a white Bianca Jagger pantsuit, a single-shouldered sparkly mini, sexily short puffer jackets and completely luscious white hooded fur. (CLICK HERE for photos of the show & the Fashiontribes runway review.)

Undeniably hip and modern, yes, but true to the spirit of the impeccable, elegant Ungaro? Questionable.

Both sides issued the usual bland press statements – Ungaro: "We thank him for his contribution and we remain fully committed to continuing the legacy of the house." Dundas: "I want to thank the House of Ungaro and say I am proud to have worked alongside the wonderfully talented people there and wish the company continued success.” – and it may be some time before the replacement is named, as Moufarriage has a reputation for remaining unruffled & unhurried. In the mean time, the in-house team will continue to prepare for the upcoming Spring 2007 shows in September. "There's a great team in the studio working," noted Moufarriage.

- via WWD