His name is Rodolfo Paglialunga and he has just been appointed as Jil Sander’s new creative director. Virtually unknown to the wider public, the 47 year-old Italian boasts a remarkable CV. He was Romeo Gigli’s right hand man, moving on to being Prada’s women collections design director and, since 2009, MaisonVionnet’s creative director.

“I’m deeply honoured to have the opportunity to take on this role – Rodolfo Paglialunga explains – I have boundless admiration for the brand as I strongly believe in its pure vision and values. My aim is to carry forward the fusion between sophistication, luxury and innovation and bring the house to the next level.”

 Jill Sander’s first ever collection signed by Rodolfo Paglialunga will debut next September 2014 on the P/E 2015 runaways at Milan Fashion Week. Until then, the German designer (and brand founder) herself will keep on being the firm’s creative director, role that she has been fulfilling for a while since deciding to make a comeback on the scene. Her predecessor was fashion designer Raf Simons, who has since moved on to being in charge of Dior’s artistic direction.

“We are very confident about this decision – said Jil Sander Group’s CEO Alessandro Cremonesi – We have identified the right talent that with coordinated assets in terms of personality and design skill will be able to raise our creative excellence to achieve new fashion marks. We trust that Rodolfo Paglialunga’s refined and cosmopolitan approach will be instrumental to reinforce our core values and continue to drive innovation and modernity into the heritage of the brand.”