MILAN — Yet another creative change has hit the fashion industry.
On Friday, Brioni said it was parting ways with design director Norbert Stumpfl after seven years.
“Our journey continues, and the house will keep building on its heritage — artisanal perfection, exceptional materials and innovation in tailoring techniques — to create true masterpieces, from formalwear to leisurewear and accessories,” said Brioni chief executive officer Federico Arrigoni, without naming a successor. “Brioni advances its mission to define the contemporary codes of Italian elegance, while elevating its mastery in alta sartoria and bespoke craftsmanship for those who lead and accept nothing less than the exceptional.”
The Austrian Stumpfl joined the Italian menswear brand, controlled by Kering, in 2018, succeeding Nina-Maria Nitsche. The Central Saint Martins alum was previously head of design at Berluti. He was men’s head designer at Balenciaga from May 2014 to June 2016, and men’s designer at Lanvin for almost nine years until May 2014. His curriculum also includes stints at Louis Vuitton and Adidas.
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Brioni expressed “its deep gratitude to him for his contribution over the years. During his tenure at Brioni, Norbert interpreted with precision the concept of lightness and discretion, contributing to the evolution of the masculine wardrobe with a modern approach that honored tradition.”
Stumpfl succeeded in shaping a precise and elevated design strategy for Brioni, bringing stability after a few seasons of uncertainty prior to his arrival. While tailored suits are still Brioni’s bestsellers, the designer has been adding more casual looks and has expanded the knitwear offer, as well as its women’s collection.
Brioni marked its 80th anniversary in 2025, holding an event in Rome last month with an exhibit called “Tailoring Legends,” underscoring its sartorial heritage. Stumpfl was successful in modernizing the traditional tailored suit the brand is known for and he developed womenswear collections aligned with the brand’s aesthetics and values.
Indeed, Brioni has been successful in continuing to please its core and loyal customers, but at the same time has been attracting a new generation of admirers. Known for dressing the most famous British secret agent on the screen, 007, from Pierce Brosnan to Daniel Craig, Brioni lists a cross-generational group of celebrities who have been wearing its suits, from Jake Gyllenhaal, Andrew Garfield, Zac Efron, Glenn Powell, Drake and Austin Butler to Brad Pitt, Jude Law, Ryan Reynolds, Denzel Washington, Tom Cruise and Kevin Costner, to name a few.
Embracing the younger generation and determined to nurture the tailors of tomorrow, Brioni in October unveiled the Nazareno Fonticoli School of Haute Tailoring, further strengthening the close relationship of the company with the Penne town where it was founded, and the Abruzzo territory.
Kering first took control of Brioni in 2011 and finalized the acquisition in early 2012. Rumors about a potential sale of the brand emerge from time to time but the French group has always denied any plans to sell it.
Brioni has recently gone through a management shuffle. In May, Mehdi Benabadji, previously CEO, moved on to Ginori 1735, also controlled by Kering, and Arrigoni, most recently deputy CEO and Asia-Pacific president of Saint Laurent, succeeded Benabadji at Brioni.
Arrigoni joined Kering in 2006 at Gucci and was appointed subsequently worldwide human resources director at Saint Laurent in 2015. Since then he has held key international positions at the storied French brand such as Asia-Pacific president and chief commercial officer. In 2023 he was appointed Saint Laurent deputy CEO, directly overseeing all industrial operations and commercial activities for the brand.
