Rising to New Roles

Alberta Ferretti, a leading name in Italian luxury fashion, is celebrated for its ethereal, intricately designed garments that epitomise femininity and elegance. Founded by Alberta Ferretti in 1981, the brand rose to prominence throughout the 1980s and 1990s with its signature gowns, graceful draping, and meticulous craftsmanship. Under the Aeffe Group—established by Ferretti and her brother, Massimo Ferretti—the brand solidified its place in the luxury fashion landscape.


Ferretti’s designs have long been a staple on high-profile red carpets, frequently worn at European film festivals and major award shows. Most recently, her creations featured in the world tours of Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, demonstrating her enduring appeal among the industry’s biggest stars. Following her Spring 2024 show at Milan Fashion Week, Ferretti announced her decision to step down as Creative Director—a role she has held since founding the brand over four decades ago. Reflecting on this journey, she noted, “The Alberta of that day is in many ways still the Alberta of today, even if in the meantime a small family business has become a company with 1,500 employees,” underscoring both her legacy and the brand’s continued evolution. Though stepping down, Ferretti will remain actively involved as Vice President of the Aeffe Group, allowing her to contribute strategically to the brand’s future.


In a move that has stirred the fashion world, Ferretti’s successor is Lorenzo Serafini, an acclaimed Italian designer known for his romantic, contemporary aesthetic. Serafini’s career spans prominent positions at Dolce & Gabbana and Roberto Cavalli, where he refined his expertise in luxury womenswear. In 2014, he was appointed Creative Director of Philosophy, an Aeffe Group brand. Under his direction, Philosophy experienced a revival, resonating with younger, modern audiences and expanding its global presence with accessible yet elevated designs. Serafini’s success at Philosophy earned him the trust of the Aeffe Group, leading to his recent appointment as Creative Director for the Alberta Ferretti brand in October 2024. His new role will entail merging the Philosophy line with Alberta Ferretti, blending his distinct vision with the brand’s established legacy. His first collection for Alberta Ferretti is set for Milan Fashion Week in February 2025, where he aims to preserve the brand’s romantic spirit while embracing contemporary trends.


“’I am thrilled to announce that Lorenzo will be my successor at the helm of the brand that bears my name. With the fashion world undergoing tremendous change, I strongly believe that Lorenzo has the creativity, strong aesthetic sense, professionalism and expertise required to meet this challenge,” She added, “A decade ago, I entrusted Lorenzo with the Philosophy line which he successfully developed into a thriving brand now it is time for him to write a new chapter for the Alberta Ferretti brand, whose essence aligns beautifully with his vision. Lightness, femininity, sensuality are words already within Lorenzo’s vocabulary, and words he will be able to wonderfully define within the world of Alberta Ferretti.”


Aeffe Group President Massimo Ferretti echoed his confidence: “his aesthetic, his vision, his knowledge of the sector and knowledge of our company will be instrumental in guiding the next phase of the brand’s evolution.” Serafini expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am honoured that Alberta has chosen me as the successor to such a significant and prestigious legacy, and I will carry it forward with care as I begin a new chapter for the Alberta Ferretti brand.” This leadership transition highlights Serafini’s growing influence in Italian luxury fashion and sets the stage for an exciting new era at Alberta Ferretti.

CEDTyClea. (2024, September 29). Italian designer Alberta Ferretti stepping down as creative director of her Brand. BusinessWorld Online. https://www.bworldonline.com/arts-and-leisure/2024/09/30/624509/italian-designer-alberta-ferretti-stepping-down-as-creative-director-of-her-brand/

Ewen, L. (2024, October 16). Lorenzo Serafini named creative director of Alberta Ferretti. Fashion Dive. https://www.fashiondive.com/news/lorenzo-serafini-alberta-ferretti-creative-director-aeffe/729933/

Lorenzo Serafini is the new creative director of Alberta Ferretti. Elle. (n.d.). https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/a62609284/lorenzo-serafini-new-creative-director-alberta-ferretti/

Shoaib, M. (2024, October 15). Alberta Ferretti Names New Creative director. Vogue Business. https://www.voguebusiness.com/story/fashion/alberta-ferretti-names-new-creative-director

Singh, P. (2024, October 16). Lorenzo Serafini takes over as creative director of Alberta Ferretti Brand. FashionUnited. https://fashionunited.uk/news/people/lorenzo-serafini-takes-over-as-creative-director-of-alberta-ferretti-brand/2024101578099

Venegas, N. (2024, September 25). Fashion designer Alberta Ferretti steps down from Brand after 43 years. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/alberta-ferretti-steps-down-brand-1958660

WW, FashionNetwork. com. (n.d.). Alberta Ferretti: Lorenzo Serafini named the new creative director. https://ww.fashionnetwork.com/news/Alberta-ferretti-lorenzo-serafini-named-the-new-creative-director,1671703.html

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