Rumor: Ungaro Courting New Designers

It's no secret that Ungaro has been troubled for some time -- seeking to revitalize the brand by hiring Lindsay Lohan, then releasing her from her contract (along with the CEO) once the collections turned seriously sour -- so it wouldn't surprise anyone to find that the owner has been taking lunch with a major new design talent.

And, as it so happens, owner Asim Abdullah was spotted lunching last Friday with English designer Giles Deacon, according to WWD. Will Giles Deacon, whose independent line Giles launched the same year founder Emmanuel Ungaro retired from his eponymous company, usher in the latest chapter of Ungaro's tumultuous saga since the departure? 

Since the company changed ownership from Ferragamo to current tech-mogul owner Asim Abdullah in 2005, a revolving door of designers have come and gone, including Esteban Cortazar, Peter Dundas (now head designer at Pucci), Vincent Darré, and Giambatista Valli.  Word on the street says Ungaro's active search is ongoing but as-yet-unresolved.  Current creative director Estrella Archs was hired with Lohan and is rumored to be stepping down upon the appointment of a new designer. Of course, both camps have denied comment, so where this particular thread in Ungaro's tale will ultimately lead is anyone's guess.

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