PARIS:- French fashion designer Haider Ackermann was named Thursday as the new artistic director of Berluti, the luxury brand said. The historic Paris men’s shoe and leather house, which once counted artist Andy Warhol and European royalty among its loyal clients, moved into men’s clothing five years ago. Ackermann, 45, who is best known for his richly coloured bohemian designs for women, said Berluti “represents the essence of luxury for men and I am inspired by the thought of this new adventure.”–AFP

 The Columbian-born creator, a product of the famous Antwerp fashion school in Belgium alongside Dries Van Noten and Anne Demeulemeester, replaces Alexandro Sartori who parted company with Berluti, which is part of the LVMH luxury group, in February. Ackermann will continue to design for his own women’s line, Berluti told AFP.