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Berluti has announced Kris Van Assche as its new artistic director, succeeding Haider Ackermann, who announced that he is leaving the French fashion house on March 30.

The Belgian designer, who recently exited Dior Homme after 11 years at the creative helm, will present his first collection for Berluti in January 2019 as head of shoes, leather goods, ready-to-wear and accessories collections.

Read more: Berluti Announces The Departure Of Artistic Director Haider Ackermann

Antoine Arnault, CEO of Berluti, said that he was “delighted” to welcome Van Assche to the brand: “I have known him for several years, have always admired his work at Dior Homme and I am looking forward to working with him,” the executive said via a statement on Instagram.

Van Assche added on his own Instagram account: “I have always wanted to build bridges between the savoir-faire, the heritage of a house and my clear-cut contemporary vision. Antoine Arnault spoke to me of his ambitions for Berluti and it is with great pleasure that I accept this new challenge which fits perfectly with my own will and vision.”

During his 11-year tenure at Dior Homme, Van Assche elaborated on the slim tailoring legacy of former artistic director Hedi Slimane, under whom he worked before taking the top design post himself, in 2007. He broadened the brand’s influence by staging a series of fashion shows in Asia and recruiting brand ambassadors such as A$AP Rocky, Boy George and Depeche Mode singer Dave Gahan. His challenge at Berluti will be progressing the languid, feminine aesthetic introduced by Haider Ackermann.

Read more: What Kris Van Assche Did For Dior Homme