Diane von Furstenberg Announces Its New Creative Director

Update, 18/1/2017: Diane von Furstenberg has named Nathan Jenden its new chief design officer and VP, the company announced today. Jenden previously served as DVF’s creative director from 2001 to 2010, Business of Fashion reports. His return to the role comes about a month after Jonathan Saunders stepped down from the position in December 2017.

“Nathan is an extremely talented and technically skilful designer who also has a great gift at surrounding himself with young, emerging talent,” founder Diane von Furstenberg said in a statement. “It is with joy and pride that I look forward to welcoming Nathan back at DVF.”

“I want to make great clothes that resonate with women,” added Jenden. “I see DVF as being more relevant today than it ever was in its message of self-empowerment while being dynamic and modern. I want to give the DVF girl what she wants, when she wants it, and with the joie de vivre and sense of purpose that epitomizes Diane, DVF the brand and the spirit of women today.”

Jenden’s first collection with DVF will be the Fall 2018 range, debuting in February.

Original post, 19/12: Jonathan Saunders is stepping down from his role as chief creative officer at Diane von Furstenberg, effective immediately, according to Business of Fashion. The Scottish designer has served as the brand's chief creative officer for just 18 months.

"I am grateful for Diane's support and for the opportunity of guiding this iconic brand. I am so proud of everything we have accomplished in the past 18 months. I thank the incredible team for their dedication and support, and will continue to be a friend and admirer of the brand," Saunders said in a statement.

Related article: New York Fashion Week: 10 Best Looks From Diane Von Furstenberg Spring 2018

After putting his own namesake label on hold, Saunders joined the fashion house in May 2016 and has since made a series of changes throughout the brand. Along with revamping the DVF logo, the chief creative officer also moved from traditional runway shows to more low-key presentations during New York Fashion Week.

As for his designs, Saunders's collections for the brand were received well by critics—ushering in a new era of DVF filled with whimsical prints, bold colors, and fresh updates on some of the designer's signature pieces.

“I am so thankful for Jonathan’s beautiful work and the effort and dedication he has put into DVF in the last 18 months. He will leave an important and lasting heritage to the brand,” Diane von Furstenberg said in a statement.

Related article: Breaking News: Jonathan Saunders To Close Label

As BoF reports, there was allegedly "some degree of friction" between Saunders and von Furstenberg, due to the fact that the founder remained so involved and close to the brand following his appointment as chief creative officer.

The only question now is: who will take the reigns at DVF? Let the never-ending game of designer musical chairs continue...

Related article: All Eyes On You: The Sexiest Outfits From Diane Von Furstenberg's SS17 Collection

This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US