Alessio Vannetti is taking the helm at La Perla Atelier, the Italian luxury lingerie house, starting September 1. The appointment comes as the brand, now under American industrialist Peter Kern and his wife Kristen, pushes to reclaim its status as a top name in both lingerie and luxury fashion.
The Kerns, who bought La Perla last year after it was declared insolvent, praised Vannetti's deep understanding of the brand's potential. "He has spent his career at some of Italy's most important brands, focusing on craftsmanship, brand equity, and commercial performance - exactly the leadership we need," they said in a statement. Vannetti, a 27-year industry veteran, previously served as worldwide communications director at Gucci during its celebrated turnaround and later as chief brand officer at Valentino. He also held roles at Prada and Zegna before returning to Gucci until 2024.
Vannetti replaces Paolo Vannucchi, who will stay on as a strategic advisor through the end of the financial year to ensure a smooth transition. The Kerns thanked Vannucchi for his work restoring operations after the acquisition. Vannetti said his focus will be on converting La Perla's heritage - rooted in its Bologna factory, 220 seamstresses, and craft - into "consistent, contemporary performance." The brand, founded by Ada Masotti in 1954, recently hosted its first private fitting event at Harrods, bringing artisans from Bologna to London.
Originally reported by WWD