Turnbull & Asser, the 140-year-old British shirtmaker and outfitter, announces the appointment of renowned Italian designer Roberto Menichetti as its new Creative Director.
This appointment marks a significant moment in the company’s history as it continues to combine a proud heritage of craftsmanship with a forward-looking vision for contemporary elegance. In his new role, Menichetti will oversee all the creative direction including bespoke shirting, tailoring, outerwear and accessories.
He will also play a key role in developing new synergies and design initiatives that highlight the house’s reputation for uncompromising quality and timeless elegance.
Born in the United States and raised in Italy, Menichetti developed an international perspective that has defined his celebrated career. He began his journey in Paris alongside Claude Montana at a very young age, before joining GFT (Gruppo Finanziario Tessile), then the leading company managing licenses for major fashion houses including Valentino, Armani and others. He was later selected by GFT’s CEO, Roland Böhler, to join Jil Sander in the 1990s, where helaunched the men’s collection and established his reputation for pure lines and refined forms.
Menichetti went on to spearhead Burberry’s turnaround, rejuvenating its image and more than doubling sales during a critical period of transformation. He modernised the iconic ‘check’ and reintroduced it in a new, enduring version with the support and endorsement of Burberry’s chairman, Victor Barnett. He later served as Creative Director at Céline and consulted for several prestigious houses, from Cerruti to Ballantyne.
Known for his ‘essentialist’ philosophy, ‘I seek the essence of form, rejecting the spectacle of fashion’, Menichetti brings a sculptural approach to proportion and material that has been a consistent hallmark of his career. After nearly a decade devoted to working selectively and nurturing his sculptural practice to bridge the past and the future, he now returns to the fore with Turnbull & Asser, a house equally defined by tradition and reinvention.
Beyond design, Menichetti will collaborate with Turnbull & Asser’s skilled artisans in its Gloucester and London workshops, focusing on innovation in fabric development, sustainable practices and bespoke tailoring techniques. He will bring immeasurable value to the house with his unique and internationally recognised approach to patterns for a modern generation. The aim is to build on Turnbull & Asser’s global presence while remaining true to its heritage on Jermyn Street.
Roberto Menichetti, Creative Director of Turnbull & Asser, said: “Turnbull & Asser represents more than a brand; it is a living expression of British style and elegance, carefully built over generations. It is remarkable that the house has preserved its identity so faithfully and is untouched by passing trends, carrying it forward to the present day with care and dedication under James and his family. To be entrusted with its creative future is both an honour and a responsibility. My philosophy has always been to seek the essence of form – clarity, proportion and timelessness – rather than the noise of passing trends. At Turnbull & Asser, this philosophy meets a heritage of craftsmanship that is second to none. My vision is to uphold and protect this tradition while introducing quiet innovations that ensure its voice continues to resonate with discerning clients around the world.”
James Fayed, Chairman of Turnbull & Asser, said: “Roberto’s appointment reflects our ambition to bring fresh energy to our wardrobe while remaining true to the craftsmanship that has defined Turnbull & Asser for over a century. His proven ability to modernise heritage houses while respecting their DNA makes him the perfect partner as we look to the future. That future continues to be shaped by the skill of our artisans in London and Gloucester and by our enduring belief in ‘Made in England’. We are confident that Roberto’s international experience and proven creative leadership will ensure the continued success and growth of our house.”
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